The unification model: a collaborative effort.

The Rush unification model unites clinical practice with nursing education. In this system, nursing faculty possess joint responsibilities to the college of nursing and to a specific unit in the medical center. Collaboration among managers, clinical specialists, educators, and researchers leads to achievement of unit, college, and departmental goals. The collaborative process among the leadership group members in the medical intensive care unit, consisting of the unit leader, the assistant unit leader, the clinical nurse specialists, and the practitioner-teachers, is described in detail to show how utilization of the skills and strengths of each team member increases the benefits to the unit and the patient.