Learning Objective #1: Identify teaching practices that promote collaborative partnerships between academia and nursing practice

Learning Objective #2: Describe teaching practices that create an environment for shared knowledge and networking

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Design: The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore a collaborative partnership between academia and nursing practice to promote intravenous technical skills of third quarter associate degree nursing students in a medical-surgical course. Population: The population for this study was third quarter associate degree nursing students in a medical-surgical course rotating through a Same Day Surgery or an Endoscopy unit for one clinical day. Concepts of variables studied: The concept of collaboration was incorporated in addressing the students' learning needs and intravenous techniques. Methods: A needs assessment was conducted by the nursing faculty to identify the needs of the students, faculty, and nursing staff. Themes identified from the needs assessment were used to develop and implement the clinical intravenous skills rotation day. Interviews with students and staff were conducted post clinically to evaluate the learning experience. Data was analyzed using central tendencies to evaluate analysis of student's intravenous starts. Findings: Results point to a positive learning experience for the student, as well as a collaborative and contributing effort by the students and staff. The nursing staff provided a mentoring role in this shared expertise. Conclusions: The students were able to have multiple intravenous attempts which improved their clinical techniques and self-confidence. The collaborative experience developed a focused clinical experience in which academic and nursing practice worked jointly to develop student learning. Implications: Collaborative partnerships between academia and practice can provide learning opportunities to share views, create an environment to share knowledge, and provide networking opportunities, which can lead to further educational opportunities for academia and nursing practice.