Development of a Nurse Managed Academic Health Clinic: A Model in Merging Education and Practice
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Developing nurse managed academic health clinics can address the call for expanded expert nursing care while providing an excellent clinical opportunity for both student and educator.An extensive literature review was conducted to determine the impact of such clinics on the provision of expert nursing care. Satisfaction analysis, cost benefit and feasibility studies were examined. An analysis of the literature was performed to review the benefit of bridging practice and education. The literature was found to support the concept that nurse managed clinics can be both beneficial in educating a new health care workforce while blending theory and practice. With these findings, initial steps were taken to develop a nurse managed clinic on a university campus. Initial documents and activities were completed and implemented.Nurse managed clinics primarily provide expert nursing care to under-served populations. University based nurse managed clinics serve as clinical sites for graduate and undergraduate students. They provide faculty with the opportunity to blend theory and practice while promoting advocacy and networking. The development of academic based nurse managed clinics benefit nursing education and serve to assist in easing the shortage of primary health care providers.
Developing nurse managed academic health clinics can address the call for expanded expert nursing care while providing an excellent clinical opportunity for both student and educator.An extensive literature review was conducted to determine the impact of such clinics on the provision of expert nursing care. Satisfaction analysis, cost benefit and feasibility studies were examined. An analysis of the literature was performed to review the benefit of bridging practice and education. The literature was found to support the concept that nurse managed clinics can be both beneficial in educating a new health care workforce while blending theory and practice. With these findings, initial steps were taken to develop a nurse managed clinic on a university campus. Initial documents and activities were completed and implemented.Nurse managed clinics primarily provide expert nursing care to under-served populations. University based nurse managed clinics serve as clinical sites for graduate and undergraduate students. They provide faculty with the opportunity to blend theory and practice while promoting advocacy and networking. The development of academic based nurse managed clinics benefit nursing education and serve to assist in easing the shortage of primary health care providers.