Extending influence in gerontological nursing through partnerships: Experiences from the John A. Hartford Foundation Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence

This article describes how the 5 John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence (HCGNE) extended their influence in nursing education, practice, and research by partnering with nursing schools and community agencies; developing coalitions; providing local, regional, and national leadership in geriatric initiatives; and by developing complementary funding sources to augment and promote sustainability. The HCGNE partnerships were a significant mechanism for building geriatric nursing capacity in numerous directions. The article provides an overview of HCGNE partnership initiatives, including descriptions of educational, provider, and governmental collaborations; facilitating factors; and outcomes. In addition, exemplars from each HCGNE illustrate successful strategies, lessons learned, and outcomes.