To advance its commitment to underserved communities and student-centered learning, the Washington State University College of Nursing is investing in new models of faculty practice. These efforts align with Nursing Goal 3: Community Engagement and Impact, a key element of the College’s ‘23-’25 Strategic Plan.
Led by Sarah Fincham, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, Director of Faculty Practice, this initiative has already achieved a major milestone: completing a statewide gap analysis to identify where nursing faculty can make the greatest impact. Opportunities have emerged in school-based health, rural mobile care, and mental health—each aligned with the College’s mission to serve Washington’s diverse populations.
Faculty Practice in Action
“We’re working to build a faculty practice model that meets real community needs while also creating powerful clinical learning opportunities for our students,” Fincham said.
- Spokane Colleges Student Health Clinic: Three College of Nursing faculty members currently provide care.
- School-Based Health Partnership: A wellness center at Logan Elementary, in partnership with Spokane Public Schools, is in progress.
- Tele-Behavioral Health: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) faculty are preparing to deliver virtual mental health services across Washington state.
- WSU Health Mobile Clinic: Plans are under review for a hybrid faculty role combining mobile care and academic instruction.
Faculty can now incorporate clinical practice directly into their academic workload—with proportional pay—though logistical and financial challenges remain. For example, teaching responsibilities must be backfilled when a faculty member shifts time to practice, and reimbursement for services in underserved areas may fall short of costs.
Building Long-Term Sustainability
To support these efforts, the College is pursuing federal and state grants, insurance billing opportunities, and collaborative funding with health partners. A current priority is securing staffing for the Logan wellness center, with a focus on hiring medical assistants, front desk staff, and billing support.
The College is also exploring telehealth as a cost-effective way to deliver care and extend faculty practice into rural regions.
“Faculty practice plans create opportunities not only for faculty to continue to practice in the clinical setting, but also to provide care to underserved communities, and train students” said Fincham. “When faculty practice is integrated with student training and research, it creates a meaningful feedback loop that benefits everyone.”
Sarah Fincham, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, Director of Faculty Practice
As WSU Nursing continues to grow its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and advanced practice nursing programs, this initiative has the potential to increase student training opportunities and positively impact patients across Washington state.
