Bridge to Practice Model©

The Bridge to Practice© clinical model allows students to engage in a variety of clinical experiences at one institution. 

Over student's four year program of study, the Bridge to Practice Model© provides 415 hours of clinical experiences (9 academic credits) focused on medical-surgical nursing. These clinical practica progress from Performance I, an introductory nursing course, to Performance V, a senior level Seminar and Practicum course taken in the last semester of baccalaureate study.

This model combines the best of classroom education and comprehensive hospital-based internships.  Students greatly benefit by this partnering of CUA faculty with hospital-based nurses to create a supportive environment for hospital-based nursing students. 

Process

• Student completes a clinical placement application that lists preferences, relevant experiences and special needs. 
• Student is matched to a hospital based on specific criterion (similar to residency match program)
• Student completes all their medial surgical clinical hours in the assigned facility.
• One CUA faculty member is assigned to each hospital to assist hospital-based preceptors who are working with each clinical group of students.
• Ongoing evaluation of the model will be implemented involving students, faculty and hospital staff.

Benefits

• Promotes more comprehensive relationship between the student and hospital
• Longer window of opportunity for student nurse recruitment
• Opportunity for senior nurses to share their expertise with BSN nursing students

Implementation Partners
Bethesda Naval Medical Center
George Washington University Hospital
Inova Fairfax Hospital
Washington Hospital Center

For more information on the Bridge to Practice model© contact Dr. Cindy Grandjean at grandjean@cua.edu.