Strengthening collaborative research and scholarship in a College of Nursing.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is a need to facilitate research collaboration between PhD- and DNP-educated faculty at colleges and schools of nursing. Both types of doctoral-prepared faculty are hired, and their skills and expertise are often different yet complementary. Strengthening collaborations can contribute to new knowledge and the translation of research into practice. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to implement four strategies to foster research and scholarship productivity and evaluate the outcomes. METHOD: We implemented four strategies to foster collaboration. Two interactional strategies included Research Exchange (an annual event) and an enhanced matchmaking and mentoring plan. The two organizational strategies implemented were internal research pilot funds and writing clubs. RESULTS: All four approaches have been found to be effective in improving research collaboration and scholarship outcomes, including presentations, manuscripts, and proposals for external funding. Faculty have provided suggestions for further improvements. CONCLUSIONS: National trends indicate that there may be more DNP-prepared faculty than PhD-prepared faculty hired at colleges and schools of nursing. As such, it is useful to develop and purposefully offer approaches such as the four strategies described to enhance research productivity, facilitate career progression, and contribute to improved patient outcomes.