Innovative Model from Advanced Nurse Practice Forum to Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Advancement to Nursing Grand Rounds: Collaborative Initiatives Between Academia and A Hospital Group in Ireland

<p><strong>Background:</strong> These collaborative initiatives between academia and a hospital group depict the journey from the development of the advanced nurse and midwife practice network forum to the formation of the centre for nursing and midwifery advancement to the introduction of nursing grand rounds. </p>\n<p><strong>Aim:</strong> To support advanced practitioners working in the hospitals attached to the university in their education and professional development, expand their knowledge base through research and act as a conduit for interactions between advanced practitioners. </p>\n<p><strong>Methods:</strong> Several research methods were employed which led to educational and clinical initiatives being developed and introduced. Braun & Clarkes’ six-step process was the initial research method which was followed by a three phased design incorporating the Initiation, Implementation and Evaluation phases. Focus groups and individual interviews were held. </p>\n<p><strong>Results:</strong> Advanced nurse and midwife practitioners seek to extend their research capability and welcomed this collaborative initiative as enhancing research and practice innovation. </p>\n<p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Advanced nurse and midwife practitioners acknowledge that the ANP Forum and Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Advancement supports them in their clinical practice, education and research and that the Grand Nursing Rounds and newsletters are relevant to practice. </p>\n<p><strong>Implications for Nurses and Managers:</strong> The ANP Forum and Nursing Grand Rounds has demonstrated the importance of having a collaborative university-hospital based approach in supporting advanced practitioners in their professional nursing practice. </p>