During the summer of 2006 clinicians and educators came together informally to discuss the need for a state-wide research and evidence-based practice consortium.  With the support of the local Sigma Theta Tau Beta Delta at-Large chapter and the Joanna Briggs Institute of Oklahoma, the initial consortium was realized and formalized.  The group’s composition consisted of both educators and clinicians who represented both urban and rural areas. 

Initial activities focused on establishing a meeting schedule, developing a mission statement and goals, as well as identification of potential projects.  It was helpful to bring together such a diverse group from across the state in that many points of view and different needs were represented; however, geographical distance also presented challenges in scheduling meetings.  Several solutions were developed to alleviate this problem such as meeting via distance technology.  Other solutions will be discussed during the presentation. 

One of the first completed projects was a state-wide needs survey completed by 70 nurse educators and clinicians.  The results of this survey, will be discussed in detail, and have been useful guiding future projects for this group.