The critical role of clinical placement professionals in academic-practice partnerships for nurse education

Clinical Placement Professionals (CPPs) are instrumental in seamlessly connecting academic learning with practical clinical experiences in nursing education. This paper describes the role, responsibilities, challenges, and recommendations for the CPP profession and explores how the utilization of CPPs across academic disciplines varies significantly, with diverse titles, team structures, and fundamental duties among schools of nursing and healthcare systems. As nursing program enrollments surge and clinical placements remain scarce, the value and standardization of the CPP role become paramount in increasing the number of adequately prepared nurses nationwide. CPPs encounter unique challenges, including managing complex partnerships, navigating technological advancements, and addressing growing demand for clinical placements while facing limited professional development opportunities. The establishment of a nationwide organization aimed at enhancing the clinical placement profession could provide an arena for CPPs to strategically innovate, standardize practices, advocate for resources, and network with peers, ultimately supporting their critical work and contributing to the overall improvement of nursing education and preparation of a skilled nursing workforce.