Hybrid Nurse-Educator Model Could Increase Interest in Teaching

• A hybrid nurse-educator model between a Texas hospital and nearby education institutions could increase interest in the nurse educator role. 
• Memorial Hermann Health System, Sam Houston State University, and University of Texas allow nurse educators to be involved in both clinical care and teaching. 
• The hope is that the program will help address the lack of nurse educators in the U.S. 

A Texas hospital system has taken a new approach to generate interest in nurse educator roles. 

Memorial Hermann Health System, Sam Houston State University, and University of Texas recently partnered to allow nurse educators to be involved in both clinical care and teaching. The model offers two days of clinical work and one day as an educator.  

Bryan Sisk, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Memorial Hermann, told Becker’s Hospital Review they are seeing “a lot of success” after just one semester at Sam Houston and plan to expand to the University of Texas next semester. 

The partnerships are an attempt to combat the shortage of nurse educators, which has had a trickle-down effect on nursing school enrollment. 

Nurse Educator Shortage

Nearly 2,000 faculty vacancies were reported among the 922 universities that responded to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s most recent survey. Of those, more than 75% of positions required or preferred a doctorate.  

A 2024 study from Nursing Educator found five reasons for that academics were considering, or planning to, leave their role: 

• Low compensation 
• Unrealistic workload 
• Retirement 
• Lack of appreciation, and  
• Personal/family issues. 

The study authors also noted that mentorship is an important aspect for retaining educators. 

“Both current and former faculty expressed a desire for ongoing training and one-on-one mentorship, emphasizing the need for continuous professional development and support,” the authors wrote. “Additionally, the identification of specific areas for training such as teaching skills, technology, research, and handling difficult students highlights the diverse challenges faced by nurse faculty members, which could be effectively addressed through targeted mentorship programs and training initiatives.” 

Value of a Hybrid-Nurse Educator Model

Memorial Hermann’s hybrid partnership —one of several ways the industry is trying to address its worker shortage — emerged from its Institute for Nursing Excellence. Sisk told Becker’s that its leadership is “closely monitoring” the hybrid approach’s effect on both students and educators. 

“A faculty member who is also a member of your staff knows what students need, where they are in their program and they’re already an integrated member of your team,” Dr. Sisk said.  

Similarly, a December 2024 study in Clinical Focus that focused on one liberal arts academic institution and a regional health system found that “dedicated education units” helped bridge the gap between education and practice. 

“The integration of academic and clinical expertise was instrumental in preparing student nurses for the realities of modern health care while addressing the workforce needs of the future,” the authors stated. “As the health care landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like this one are essential in ensuring future nurses are well-prepared to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.” 

AACN has resources dedicated to helping educational institutions and medical facilities establish relationships academic-practice partnerships. 

The Bottom Line

An hybrid nurse-educator model between a Texas hospital system and nearby universities is unique in its approach. The collaboration allows its educators to teach as well as continue to work at the bedside. The goal, according to hospital leadership, is for that hybrid approach to nurse education to lead to an increase in professionals pursuing an education role within nursing. 

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