JOURNAL ARTICLE

Determining the Feasibility of Implementing a Work-Learning Program for Nursing Staff Working in a State Psychiatric Hospital.

  • Published In: Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2026, v. 32, n. 1. P. 57 1 of 3

  • Database: Psychology Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Robertson, Heather; Seng, Sarret; Abufarsakh, Bassema; Woods, Marc; Moreland, Gwen; Heath, Janie; Okoli, Chizimuzo T. C. 3 of 3

Abstract

This article evaluates the feasibility of a Work-Learning Program (WLP) developed through an academic-practice partnership to support psychiatric nurses' academic advancement, career development, evidence-based practice adoption, and employment retention at a state psychiatric hospital. The program enrolled nurses pursuing a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, providing mentorship, dedicated learning spaces, tuition assistance, and structured academic support while maintaining full-time employment. Results showed high engagement, with 75% RN to BSN and 100% DNP completion rates, career advancements including promotions and salary increases, active dissemination of scholarly work, and an overall employment retention rate of 87.5% six months post-completion. The study highlights that WLPs within academic-practice partnerships can effectively enhance psychiatric nursing workforce development and evidence-based practice, though implementation requires significant financial and organizational investment.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. 2026/01, Vol. 32, Issue 1, p57
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Consumer Health
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1078-3903
  • DOI:10.1177/10783903251383175
  • Accession Number:190798961
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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