A collaborative model: twenty healthcare agencies and academic institutions share resources to educate preceptors.

The Boston Collaborative Learning Group (BCLG), a 20-member consortium of healthcare agencies and academic institutions, originated in 1996 in response to a demand for innovative cost-effective measures. Directors of Staff Development and academicians collaborate and share resources in planning preceptor education programs. Over 750 Boston area nurses have attended 1 of 10 programs offered. This article provides an historical perspective on forming a consortium and the benefits of this collaborative model.