Working together for a common purpose

By Paula J. Webb, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, president, TONE 

“Transition to practice,” “academia vs. practice,” “staff and faculty shortages,” “lack of clinical sites” – these are phrases that most of us have either spoken or heard. Gaps in understanding all aspects of each phrase can lead to frustration and confusion. While we understand the phrases from our own role perspective, understanding both perspectives can assist us in bridging those gaps.

In an effort to assist with these issues, TONE convened a group of chief nursing officers and deans/directors from academic providers throughout our state prior to our annual conference. Representatives from 10 schools of nursing and 10 healthcare organizations were present for the meeting. A survey prior to the meeting identified challenges facing both academia and practice and suggested topics for discussion by the group. These challenges and topics were used to develop the inaugural meeting agenda.

The top three challenges identified and discussed included:

1)      Workforce shortages of nurses and qualified faculty

2)      Education gaps for new nurses

3)      Transition to practice

Examples of best practice approaches were discussed with continued discussion on strategies in which academia and practice can partner in these endeavors. Action items to address these challenges will be developed in future meetings.

Conversations surrounding the topics of creative site placement/availability, the changing roles of nursing, practice-ready graduate nurses at all levels, and innovative collaborative programs between academia and industry provided an opportunity for all participants to share current practices and potential solutions to these issues.

At the close of the afternoon, the CNOs/deans and directors voiced agreement that this forum should continue as we develop strategies to address concerns. One agenda item for the next meeting will be to ask the Texas Board of Nursing to provide the group with an overview of practice issues. Subcommittees will be formed around topics of interest, continuing the collaborative effort to better prepare and retain our nurses of the future.

New graduate student membership – Limited offer expires Dec. 31 

If you are enrolled in a full- or part-time graduate level nursing executive leadership program or nurse administration program and are a new member of TONE, you qualify to join TONE as a graduate student member. Graduate student members shall have the right to hold any elected position, vote on organizational issues, and elect a slate of candidates for service on the board of directors. Graduate student members shall have the right to vote on amendments to the TONE bylaws and on any increase in the dues proposed by the board of directors. Proof of enrollment must be submitted to TONE at the time of membership registration. Proof of enrollment may be sent to info@texasnurse.org.

Graduate students receive their first year of membership free. The second and third years of membership are 50 percent off the full membership fee. This offer provides three years of membership for $120 plus TONE chapter dues, if applicable.  

This is a limited-time offer open to new members of TONE and will expire Dec. 31, 2018. If you are enrolled in a full- or part-time graduate level nursing executive leadership program or nurse administration program, consider joining TONE! It’s a great investment in your career and professional development.