COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS - DEVELOPING CLINICAL-EXPERIENCES FOR NURSING-STUDENTS IN PUBLIC-SECTOR SETTINGS

In the present paper we described the Nurse Academic Collaboration Tas k Force, which was formed in 1989 by the Texas Mental Health and Menta l Retardation (TXMHMR) Commissioner in order to facilitate linkages be tween academia and state facilities. These efforts have led to increas ed academic collaboration and linkage with facilities. The task force has identified areas of practice opportunities for all levels of stude nt education programs as well as barriers to collaboration. Collaborat ive strategies may also lead to better nurse recruitment efforts by TX MHMR facilities. Finally, these educational experiences should prepare nurses in varied settings to provide care for individuals wtih mental retardation.