SNAPPI: A Transformative Nursing Education Partnership
Learn more at the SNAPPI Website.
The Shared Nurse Academic Practice Partnership Initiative (SNAPPI) is an innovative collaboration between Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and healthcare systems to solve one of Texas’s most pressing healthcare challenges: the nursing faculty shortage.
As Texas faces a projected shortfall of 47,000 registered nurses, SNAPPI offers a sustainable, scalable solution. Funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Nursing Innovation Grant Program, SNAPPI empowers experienced bedside nurses to serve as clinical faculty — without leaving their hospital roles. This integrated model eliminates compensation barriers and logistical hurdles, enabling nurses to teach while continuing to provide patient care.
Why SNAPPI Matters
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Increases nursing school capacity by tapping into hospital-based talent.
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Improves student learning through real-world clinical experiences.
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Boosts nurse retention by offering professional growth opportunities.
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Supports rural healthcare by piloting clinical faculty roles in underserved areas.
In its pilot phase, SNAPPI generated measurable impact:
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1.7 new full-time faculty equivalents (FTEs)
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Reduced adjunct faculty needs by 10%
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Higher student satisfaction and clinical confidence
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Stronger academic-practice partnerships
One student shared: "I definitely felt more confident and comfortable with the [hospital's] staff knowing that my instructor is their coworker."
A Win-Win for Students, Nurses, and Healthcare Systems
Through SNAPPI, hospitals benefit from a built-in recruitment pipeline, better-prepared nursing graduates, and stronger retention of seasoned clinical staff. Nurses gain meaningful teaching roles that promote professional development, while students receive hands-on mentorship in a supportive, real-world environment.
This model not only enhances nursing education—it also strengthens the future of healthcare across Texas. As SHSU expands the program with new funding and statewide partners, SNAPPI is poised to become a national model.
Learn More and Join the Movement
Visit the official SNAPPI site to explore how this innovative model is changing nursing education for good.