Pilot Outcomes

The UMMS Academy of Clinical Essentials (ACE) was piloted in the spring of 2022 for a full semester for 39 students from three courses: Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Medical-Surgical Nursing for entry-to-practice Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). ACE cohorts were placed on seven nursing units, four at an academic medical center and three at a community hospital.

Preliminary Findings

• All students loved the immersive experience and shared learning exceeded their expectations.
• Clinical instructors found that teaching on their own unit promoted seamless clinical group integration and facilitated more efficient patient care.
• New and non-traditional clinical sites and shifts were utilized, including clinical placements in an emergency department and on night and weekend shifts.
• Participating units saved two per diem nurses over a 10-week period.
• ACE cohorts were fully integrated into the unit culture and had a positive impact on staffing and unit and team member morale.