Learning Objective #1: Compare and contrast four factors inherent in traditional versus Partnership Program models in an undergraduate psychiatric-mental health clinical specialty course

Learning Objective #2: Discuss three research findings in light of implications for nursing education and practice

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Escalating mental health care needs coupled with a decreasing nurse labor force demand a fundamental paradigm shift in the present undergraduate education and service partnerships among psychiatric mental health nursing students and practicing nurses. The purpose of this two-group comparative study was to identify factors that contributed to a successful learning partnership between nursing students and practicing nurses engaged in an innovative Partnership Program. The convenience sample consisted of 51 partners: 33 undergraduate students and 18 practicing nurses. The Learning Partnership Survey was administered to all partners yielding a comparison of ranking among factors important to the partner relationship. Contrary to previous research, student and nurse partners were more similar in their factor ranking in the present study. Statistically significant differences were noted in the ranking of two factors (compatibility and clinical competence) that fostered successful learning partnerships. Implications for professional learning partnerships between nursing academia and service institutions are discussed.