from the pages of HCPRO'S WEEKLY UPDATE ON THE ANCC MAGNET RECOGNITION PROGRAM®*

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Strategies for Nurse Managers

Many healthcare organizations across the country are implementing a new nursing position on its floors: clinical nurse leaders (CNLs). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing introduced the position to help bedside nurses provide quality care for patients. CNLs must complete a master’s education program that includes a focus on clinical skills, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and communication skills. Approximately 200 organizations have employed CNLs, including Miami Valley Hospital (MVH) in Dayton, OH—an ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® recipient in 2004.

MVH has a CNL on two units—medical-surgical and neurosurgical—who mentor new graduate nurses, evaluate patient outcomes, help bedside nurses solve problems, and ensure patients receive updated educational tools on their care. According to Deb Mals, RN, MS, CNAA, BC, CNO, MVH has seen a few positive results from employing CNLs, including:

• 2.2% increase in patient satisfaction regarding nursing care
• 50% reduction in nurse vacancy
• 4% improvement in nurse satisfaction
• 20% improvement in teamwork

 Source: Nurse.com