Enhancing Nursing Education Through Academic-Practice Partnerships: Evaluating the Implementation of the Academy of Clinical Essentials Clinical Model.

BACKGROUND

Innovative strategies are needed to address the nursing shortage and enhance students' transition into practice.

PURPOSE: This study examined nursing students' satisfaction, perceived support, and transition-to-practice experiences within the Academy of Clinical Essentials (ACE) model, an innovative academic-practice partnership.

METHODS

A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used. Students completed a quantitative survey and participated in focus groups. Survey responses were compared to students in traditional clinical groups. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.

RESULTS

ACE students reported higher satisfaction and perceived support than traditional students. Five qualitative themes were identified: individualized learning, consistency fostering trust, mixed impact of extra time, opportunities to improve, and role assimilation. Many ACE students accepted employment at the clinical site postgraduation.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACE model supports student transition to practice and workforce development, particularly in rural areas. Findings underscore the value of immersive clinical education models.