Learning Objective #1: Discuss the role of the CNS in promoting evidence-based clinical practice

Learning Objective #2: Identify at least four strategies for involving staff in evidence-based practice

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Clinical Nurse Specialists' (CNS) are in position to foster research/evidence based care for specific populations and for entire health care systems. Southcoast Hospitals System, a multi- site facility, provided administrative support for two-experienced system wide CNS's to develop an integrated system for clinical research. The CNS's joined forces to co-chair two separate nursing research committees, one of which had a direct relationship with Hospital IRB. Relationships with diverse parts of the System and the local university school of nursing, the local Sigma Chapter, and their research backgrounds, enabled the CNS's to structure change in the health system. The first step was for the two committees to jointly define mission and goals. Committee memberships have become multidisciplinary; emphasis has been placed on member education and developing liaisons with practice councils, nursing councils, and medical librarians. The university linkage grew through full committee membership for selected Sigma faculty. Staff education and involvement focused on implementation of Evidence Based Practice (EBP) through the system wide “Great Cookie Experiment”, EBP education at nursing councils, EBP speakers at National Nurses Week programs, annual EBP poster days, participation in Sigma Poster Days, mentoring of novice researchers, use of online intranet education. The co-chairs have developed /mentored, staff research/EBP groups around clinical problems and have engaged the nursing graduate students, to work with staff groups on major EBP projects. This work has enhanced the systems Magnet preparation. Outcomes: 1.System wide, staff utilizes EBP language and resources. 2.Increased collaboration of faculty with staff research/EBP groups. 3.Staff increased participation in Sigma and Regional Research Programs. 4.An integrated, system wide IRB, includes the clinical research committees. 5.Access to Cochrane Database 6.Enhancement of CNS role as recognized system change agents.