Nurse Scientist, a Role Not Just for University Affiliated Hospitals: Success in the Community Setting

Oster, Cynthia A.

Saturday, 29 October 2011

Cynthia A. Oster, PhD, MBA, RN
Performance Practice and Innovation, Porter Adventist Hospital, Denver, CO
Kathleen Bradley, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Department of Performance Practice and Innovation, Porter Adventist Hospital, Denver, CO

Learning Objective 1: Identify opportunities and partnerships to recruit and retain doctoral prepared nurse scientist candidates.

Learning Objective 2: Discuss steps in the design and implementation of nurse scientist role with subsequent outcomes.

University affiliated hospitals have long employed nurse scientists (NS). This resource has been seldom utilized in the community hospital setting. The Magnet^®journey is a springboard to invest in a NS to facilitate the creation of an organizational culture of discovery and innovation. The NS provides pivotal leadership to enculturate evidenced based practices (EBP) and research (Titler, 2004).

Partnerships with nursing colleges supply qualified candidates and resources to nurture community NSs. Clarity of role design provides infrastructure and resources to bring about advancement of EBP and research. Relationship building with academic partners and within the organization is key to successful implementation. Role modeling and mentorship provide “the push” to move a culture apprehensive of EBP and research; to one where staff actively seeks advice to develop EBPs and research ideas, “the pull” (Milton, et. al., 2008).

Innovations include establishment of EBP projects on 75% of clinical units with improved outcomes; a research council supporting two aspiring and one Magnet^® hospital; a healthcare system wide annual EBP and research conference; implementation of evidentiary review and IRB preparation strategies; and conduction of original facility/system level research. Implementation of peer review has provided clinicians with constructive critique of more than 100 abstracts, posters and podiums targeted for regional, national and international conference dissemination over the past 3 years. The NS makes valuable contributions to organizations through development of new knowledge and facilitation of research utilization and EBP. The NS is a feasible, flexible, value added position in any aspiring or Magnet^® facility.

See more of: Poster Session I - Showcase of Magnet® Hospital Research Posters
See more of: Magnet Posters