Revitalizing Academic-Service Partnerships to Resolve Nursing Faculty Shortages

Abstract

Vacancy rates of nursing faculty are on the increase as fewer educators are being prepared and nurses at the bedside are in short supply. Advanced practice nurses--uniquely suited to provide clinical education for undergraduate and graduate students--are underutilized. However, without release time, preparation as educators, ongoing support from education and administration, and remuneration for providing both evidence-based education and evidence-based patient care, they can hardly be expected to assume additional responsibilities. This article reviews academic-service partnerships, noting a general lack of published efficacy and cost-effectiveness data, and highlights 21st-century innovations for academia and service to share resources for the benefit of all stakeholders--especially patients and students.