CLABSI Rounding Team: A Collaborative Approach to Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are an ongoing concern in health care, resulting in increased mortality, morbidity, length of stay, and additional costs to hospitals. LOCAL PROBLEM: Despite intermittent improvements in CLABSI rates within our facility, long-term sustainment has been challenging. METHODS: This was a quality improvement project including a collaborative rounding approach supported by specialty nursing roles. INTERVENTIONS: In addition to implementing a variety of evidence-based interventions, the rounding team performed audits to assess performance and created focused education tools to address the identified opportunities within each individual unit. RESULTS: High levels of engagement as evidenced by increased audit completion resulted in CLABSI reductions. However, 2 peaks in CLABSI rates were associated with higher volumes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hospitalizations and decreased audits. CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges correlated with COVID-19, a collaborative rounding team promotes and enhances awareness of prevention methods and a culture of safety.

Clarifying Role Expectations and Practice Standards Using a Clinical Nurse Leader Professional Practice Model Illustration.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence of the positive impact of the clinical nurse leader (CNL) role, implementation of supplemental nursing roles has proven to be challenging due to unclear role explanations and organizational unfamiliarity. PROBLEM: Nurses practice in a dynamic environment and need to cope with the rapid pace of change in practice roles. Outside of the preparation of the CNL, many nursing professionals are not educated or prepared on the essential aspects the CNL role. APPROACH: A graphic illustration was developed to facilitate discussion and provide insight into the CNL role, with the aim of creating consensus on the CNL role functions and expectations. OUTCOMES: Following the implementation of the CNL practice model illustration, participants reported a significant improvement in their understanding and importance of the CNL role. CONCLUSIONS: Professional practice model illustrations may be beneficial in developing a consensus of practice.

Clinical Nurse Leaders forging the path of population health.

Population health is a topic of growing focus when combating the inverse relationship of rising healthcare costs and reduced financial reimbursement based on quality within the realm of healthcare. Despite the many definitions, the overall concept of population health centers on the management of health concerning a group of individuals. The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is one innovative role within the profession of nursing designed to prepare nurses to practice across the continuum of care and manage the health of like populations. This manuscript will explore current practice and resulting outcomes at one medical center that employs the CNL and has allowed the role to focus on the concept of population health.

Clinical Nurse Leaders: Fulfilling the Promise of the Role.

Nurses have the capacity to improve patient care quality, cost, and safety. The role of Clinical Nurse Leaders(SM) in improving care and reducing costs in a Magnet® -designated Level 1 trauma center in the southern United States is described.