Academic/clinical nursing integration in academic health systems

•Academic/clinical nursing integration in academic health systems.•Strategic alignment of academic and clinical nursing in academic health systems.•Perspectives of Deans and Chief Nurse Officers on leadership and governance in academic health systems.Unifying frameworks for academic/clinical integration in academic health systems. Sustained partnerships that strengthen and expand nursing's contribution to the integration of academic nursing into clinical practice holds the promise of improving Academic Health Systems (AHS). The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework whereby academic/clinical integration can be achieved within the AHS to enhance relationships between academe and clinical nursing entities. Nursing deans and chief nurse officers/vice presidents from top ranked AHS offer perspectives to advance the integration of nursing leadership into the governance of high functioning AHS. Academic and clinical nursing entities within the AHS governance calls for a shared framework to promote an integrated approach to full engagement of academic and clinical nursing. The collaborative benefits of aligning nursing's academic/clinical missions within AHS are described. The challenges and opportunities inherent in the way forward must build on intentionality and commitment for academic and clinical nursing entities to transform the AHS and improve outcomes.