Recognizing that staff nurses are the key to addressing patient care issues, the Office of Research, Quality and Outcomes Management in the Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care offers nurses the opportunity to participate in evidence-based practice internships. The program is an innovative way for staff nurses to learn how to complete evidence-based practice projects about common patient care issues.
Using the "Iowa Model", developed by director Marita Titler, PhD, RN, FAAN, applicants developed a clinically relevant evidence-based practice project that included a review of research and other evidence, data collection, the development of appropriate practice guidelines, implementation of these guidelines, and evaluation.
According to project manager, Laura Cullen, RN, MA, "This project gave nurses the opportunity to improve patient care and receive recognition for their effort."
Nurse Karen Redus is leading a team to improve assessment of a patient's risk for falling while hospitalized. Nurse Natalie Van Waning is working with a team to improve family transition to the pediatric units. Nurse Diane Madsen and her team are piloting use of a nursing protocol for abdominal assessment after gastrointestinal surgery. Nurse Melissa Lehan Makin is working to reduce anxiety for OB/Gyn patients after surgery with guided imagery. Nurse Ronda Drahozol's pet visitation project is being piloted on three nursing units. Nurse Jane Greiner and her team are developing a sedation protocol for adult patients who are mechanically ventilated.
Staff nurses work with a team of experts to facilitate their projects. Facilitators and presenters in the program represent all nursing divisions: Behavioral Health, Intensive and Specialty Services, Children's and Women's Services, Medical/Surgical I and II, and Perioperative.
The teams began their work in April 2001 and are now focusing on implementation and evaluation.
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