Strategic Academic Partnerships

Building a Capstone Experience that Improves Value

Abstract

This manuscript discusses using an academic-practice partnership to create Jefferson New to Practice Bridge (NTPB) programming, including externships, a tailored Jefferson Capstone Experience (JCE), NCLEX preparation and remediation support, nurse residencies and integrated shared governance. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated burnout for many clinical nurses and challenged the nursing student learning environment. Alternatively, the pandemic created an ideal opportunity for disruptive innovation. The Jefferson College of Nursing (JCN) and Jefferson Health academic-practice partnership was forged out of necessity. Moving together through a health crisis created interdependent relationships, leading to a shared spirit of support and innovation. Multiple existing programs were streamlined and joined with innovative programming to create the Jefferson NTPB. NTPB created the potential to enhance nurse organizational and occupational commitment, increase retention, and reduce turnover. This manuscript highlights a portion of NTPB, the Jefferson Capstone Experience. NTPB outcomes show positive effects for new-to-practice nurses and established nurse preceptors. Since inception, RN vacancy rates have decreased from a high of 15.2% to 5.9%. Additionally, 618 new-to-practice JCN graduates have been hired by Jefferson Health, with an average 1-year retention rate of 90.5%, above regional and national benchmarks. NCLEX first-time pass rates for JCN graduates have risen to 93%, an increase of 13%, during this time. The NTPB creates an immersive experience, resulting in a strong talent stream, high retention, and high preceptor engagement. Together, these programs will form the basis for the future Jefferson nursing care model.