The power of partnership: The Nurse Educator-Student Relationship (NESR) model

Abstract

Background

There is a need to examine factors that can positively influence the retention of nursing educators and students as the nursing profession faces a nursing shortage. The nurse educator-student relationship is the most influential in academia and can affect retention. Focusing on the development of the relationship between the educator and the student may provide insight related to the new role required of the student in nursing academia to be successful.

Purpose

This paper aims to present a model that promotes the progression of the educator-student relationship to a partnership that may lead to increasing retention and success of students.

Theoretical framework

The nurse educator-student relationship model was developed using professional and personal experience and integrated with three theories/framework components. A systems approach was used to identify challenges and solutions related to the adjustments required in interpersonal and relational skills: trust, respect, confidence, communication, expectations, and knowledge.

Conclusion

The nurse-educator-student relationship can be essential in retaining educators and students. This model provides an approach to understanding the progression and skills affected in developing the relationship and establishing a partnership.