Authors

  1. Schmidt, Kari L. MS, RN-BC, ACC

Article Content

As nursing professional development (NPD) practitioners, we have unique opportunities to facilitate learning outcomes through innovative partnerships. Chip Bell, leadership consultant and author, defines partnership as "a deliberate blending of capacities for the continuous mutual benefit of involved parties," (Bell & Shea, 2012, p. 2). Through partnerships, we can gain new insights, "divide and conquer" workload, learn new approaches to implementing best practices, and expand the impact of our work. NPD practitioners nurture long-term partnerships and short-term collaborations. We can geometrically increase our impact and influence with individual learners and speed progress toward our organizations' strategic goals.

 

Some examples of partnering include internal collaboration with other disciplines to implement a new clinical protocol, working together with our academic colleagues to enhance transition to practice programs, and collaborating with other healthcare organizations to promote public health. Recently, the Journal for Nurses in Professional Development (JNPD) collaborated with the American Red Cross to communicate with student nurses the opportunity to sponsor end-of-year blood drives and become eligible for an educational grant. Mary Holtschneider and Dr. Chan Park continue to share powerful examples of interdisciplinary partnership in the JNPD Simulation column. Dr. Susan Bindon and I partner as the co-editors for JNPD. Our partnership provides extended access to state-of-the-art NPD practices and to network with NPD colleagues internationally. We gain from the synergy of collaboration: implementing evidence-based practice, continuously improving our specialty practice, and communicating the return on investment of learning activities.

 

As you read this editorial, it will be time for our Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) convention. The convention is brimming with opportunities to learn, network, and develop new partnerships. We can learn how from colleagues who developed and nurtured new and creative partnerships. I encourage you to visit the WoltersKluwer/Lippincott booth in the exhibit hall. Engaging in conversation at the booth provides mutually beneficial dialogue. You will see partnership in action. As the official journal for ANPD, new developments for the JNPD will be featured. You will have the opportunity to see the benefits of the ANPD/Lippincott Solutions partnership and the value for your continuing education.

 

Susan and I look forward to seeing you at the ANPD Convention. You have access to cutting edge resources through JNPD. What great avenues to increase our NPD networks, collaboration, and partnerships!

 

Reference

 

Bell C. R., Shea H. (2012). Dance lessons: Six steps to great partnerships in business & life. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. [Context Link]