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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe how to enlist nurse clinicians as adjunct classroom instructors.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to describe 2 professional benefits to the nurse clinician acting as adjunct faculty.
Purpose:
Nursing programs continue to experience faculty shortages. We demonstrate how, using Sigma chapters and alumni networks, nursing programs can draw on experienced clinicians to ease classroom load.
Methods:
Nurse clinicians who choose to remain at the bedside possess a wealth of experience and knowledge which can help expand opportunities for students to apply learning to real life situations. Nursing program alumni are a good fit to adjunct/clinical teaching by understanding the uniqueness and rigor expected of their own Alma mater. Further, alumni who are Sigma members are often the clinical experts who can bridge theory and clinical expertise for BSN students. Sigma chapters can draw on these clinicians to teach specialty topics in baccalaureate programs. When faculty/active Sigma chapter members are on hospital floors or at professional meetings, they should seek expert clinicians and invite them to present to students. This provides nurse clinicians with an opportunity for professional development, as well as the opportunity to become engaged with their local Sigma chapter.
Results:
Since 2003, a nurse clinician has been teaching a specialty lecture on perinatal loss in our nursing program as part of the maternity semester. The relationship has grown to where the Sigma chapter inducted the expert clinician into the chapter and has mentored her within the chapter to consider officer roles. She has since taken on a second specialty topic (postpartum hemorrhage), which also includes simulation lab time.
Conclusion:
Networks are built through hands reaching out and offering opportunity. Alumni serve as role models for current students in career foci and direction. Collaboration between nurse clinicians and Sigma chapters/educators promotes giving back to the next generation, while also introducing the role of nurse educator to direct care providers, contributing to moving forward in professional growth, responsibility, and accountability.