Evidence-based practice implementation strategy: the central role of the clinical nurse specialist

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Model of Excellence in Nursing Professional Practice serves to fully integrate the role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in the implementation of evidence-based care and the role of organizational change agent. In this role, the CNS is responsible for the identification and remedy of system-wide challenges to optimal quality care, mentorship of clinical nurses both as clinicians and as leaders, and enhancement of interdisciplinary partnerships. Integrating the CNS role as the nursing department knowledge keepers, knowledge seekers and knowledge disseminators able to proactively develop and enhance interdisciplinary partnerships required systematic educational sessions and use of outcome measurement tools. Resources have included role development seminars, individual mentoring and standardization of role expression, across service lines. Development and implementation of an outcome measurement tool has served to further quantify the contribution of the CNS and standardized role implementation across service divisions. This dedication of resources has resulted in a significant number of unit-based and system-wide CNSs, serving as a significant support to the clinical nurse's practice and leadership development. This article will describe some of the processes used to enhance the role of the CNS implementing change and practice improvement at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.