Use of the ADKAR® and CLARC ® Change Models to Navigate Staffing Model Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In early 2020, hospitals faced unprecedented patient volumes resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Nurse executives at a faith-based, not-for-profit health care system quickly responded to ensure safe staffing, conservation of personal protective equipment, and implementation of infection prevention strategies. A significant challenge was safe staffing for the expected patient surge. To address this, a team of nurse executives utilized the ADKAR change model to guide a transition from primary to team nursing. The processes varied between hospitals, but core principles and implementation strategies were the same. This article discusses the quick, but methodical, journey one health care system experienced.