A systems model approach to increasing faculty productivity.

Faculty involvement in scholarly activities is essential for success and status of both the faculty member and the institution. This article describes the results of a 4-year project to increase scholarly productivity at Texas Woman's University College of Nursing, Dallas Center, Andreoli and Musser's (1984) systems model is the organizing framework. The process and outcomes for achieving greater productivity are described. An essential component of determining the changes in faculty productivity was the initiation of a database system. The database provides a comprehensive list of faculty achievements. The benefits of an achievement database are described. As a result of the 4-year effort, faculty members are goal directed. They are meeting their own--and the institution's--expectations for scholarly productivity. The increases in productivity are a motivating factor from one year to the next.

Synthesis: the BSN's preparation for practice.

Entry-level competencies and successful role transition have become a major concern of employers, who often complain that new graduates (particularly with baccalaureate degrees) lack preparation for staff nursing. To aid in this transition to the workplace, a clinical course has been developed for the last semester of a BS programme that increases students' confidence and ability to function as competent professional nurses and that could be used by other countries as a role model. Below, a description of the "Synthesis in Nursing Practice" course and its benefits to both students and future employers.