Advancing Nursing Workforce Strategy Through a Tiered Academic Partnership Model

The discrepancy between the supply and demand of RNs creates pressure on nursing leaders to find innovative solutions to strengthen the nursing workforce and reduce new graduate nurses' time in orientation. In response, Memorial Hermann Health System leaders developed the Tiered Academic Partnership Model (TAPM). The model provides a strategic framework to align academic partnerships with health system nursing workforce priorities. The TAPM supports strategic, outcomes-driven partnerships between health systems and academic partners. TAPM categorizes partnerships into 3 tiers to optimize clinical placements, improve new graduate nurse readiness, and enhance conversion-to-hire rates. This scalable model fosters intentional collaboration, operational efficiency, and stronger workforce development.