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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe an APN initiative designed to bring EBP to nurses in an acute care hospital and ambulatory network.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to list examples of positive outcomes associated with this initiative.
Method: A blended model was created in order to differentiate the practice of the clinical nurse specialist and the nurse practitioner from the masters prepared educator. This maximized the effectiveness of all roles. Advanced practice nurses and masters prepared nurse educators were combined into one division reporting to a doctorally prepared clinical nurse specialist. The new division also included a nurse researcher in academic partnership with a local nursing school. The focus of the new division was on clinical practice support and research emphasizing evidence based practice and patient safety.
Results: Since this model was created, advanced practice nurses now participate on or lead every major clinical or safety initiative. The group developed a successful critical care nurse residency. Unsafe practices related to moderate sedation have been eliminated. There has been a reduction in sepsis related mortality as well as a decrease in ventilator associated pneumonia. Clinical Nurse Specialists have presented their research results at multiple national conferences.
Conclusion: As this model was being developed, the hospital was in the process of merging with two other large area health care systems. With the merger now complete and the success of the model demonstrated, it is now being expanded throughout the newly merged system increasing the potential for positively impacting the health of the community.