JU participates in national bid to strengthen clinical training and research for nurses
Jönköping University (JU) is taking part in one of the doctoral schools receiving funding as part of the government’s new initiative to promote practice-based research for nurses and specialist nurses. At the same time, funding is being allocated to improve the coordination of clinical placements (VFU) across Sweden.
The Government’s initiative aims to strengthen practice-based research and create better opportunities for nurses to combine work in healthcare with postgraduate research training. JU is one of the higher education institutions involved in one of the research schools now receiving funding.
This initiative enables nurses and specialist nurses to remain employed in healthcare while studying for a PhD. The goal is to strengthen the connection between research and clinical practice, enhance the quality of education programmes, and contribute to securing the skills needed within a future healthcare workforce.
“This is a very welcome initiative that strengthens the conditions for research-informed education. For Jönköping University, it provides an opportunity to further develop our collaboration with healthcare providers and contribute to research that makes a tangible difference in clinical practice,” says Linda Johansson, Vice Dean of Research at School of Health and Welfare, JU.
In parallel, the government is also investing in so-called VFU nodes, with the aim of improving the coordination of clinical practice placements. Increased collaboration between higher education institutions, regions, municipalities, and private healthcare providers, will mean that more higher quality VFU opportunities will be created.
“Improved coordination of VFU is essential for the quality of our educational programmes. It benefits both students and the healthcare sector as a whole. National initiatives of this kind are important in meeting future skills needs within health and healthcare,” says Agneta Stenebrand, Vice Dean for Education at School of Health and Welfare, JU.
Read the Government’s press release (in Swedish)
The doctoral school, of which JU is a member, is run by Örebro University; the other universities involved are Karlstad University, Dalarna University, University of Gävle, and Mälardalen University.
