Living the Legacy: Ford’s Unification Model of Nursing in Action

Abstract

Dr. Loretta Ford was the visionary behind the Unification Model of Nursing—the necessary interplay of practice, education, and research within nursing to promote excellence in patient care. Here, we highlight the Unification Model and the role of Dr. Ford’s pediatric nurse practitioner through the work of 3 advanced practice nurses within the University of Rochester Medical Center Division of Adolescent Medicine. We provide reflections on the positive impact of nurse practitioner–physician collaboration from a pediatrician who knew Dr. Ford well. We offer these examples and reflections to uphold the Unification Model as a guide for advanced practice nurses across the globe.