Creating Synergy between Academia and Practice: The Arizona State University and Mayo Clinic Arizona Model.

Abstract

The academic-practice partnership began in 2005 with a collaborative Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Since that time the partnership has broadened to include faculty development, evidence-based practice, interprofessional education, and research initiatives. The purpose is to share the outcomes of this academic-practice partnership and to provide a model for other institutions. This successful partnership is grounded in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the American Organization of Nurse Executives' eight guiding principles for academic-practice partnerships. The cornerstones to the partnership are communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. The initial outcomes of this collaboration increased enrollment, thereby increasing the number of BSN prepared registered nurses; created opportunities for clinical nurses to teach; increased the number of nursing faculty; and capitalized on the strengths of each partner. The most exciting aspect of this partnership is the shared commitment to decrease the gap between nursing education and practice; thus, improving the quality of nursing education, advancing the practice of nursing and healthcare delivery, and enhancing the health of our community. Consistent with the AACN-AONE recommendations, this academic-practice partnership prepares nurses of the future to be evidence-based practitioners and creates opportunities for nurses to achieve educational and career advancements.