Clinical Nurse Specialist: Patient Safety Program Leader
Topic of Interest
CNS Improving Outcomes
Abstract
Background
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are one of the most adaptable Advanced Practice Providers roles. CNSs are trained to be clinicians, educators, leaders, change agents, and researchers. CNS skills are used to influence practice and outcomes at the system, provider, and patient level. They bridge gaps between physicians, nurses, patients, and other allied health providers to improve patient safety.
Methods
In 2018, Ochsner’s innovative leaders recognized the value of the Clinical Nurse Specialist role and invested in a two-year pilot of a CNS who split responsibilities between facilitation of evidence-based practice and work as a critical care Advanced Practice Provider.
Results
A CNS-led resuscitation program resulted in a 65% decrease in codes outside ICU, 27% decrease in codes inside ICU, and a 4.7% decrease in admissions to ICU from inpatient beds. Cost savings are $600,000. CNS-led inter-professional training included prevention of clinical deterioration, management of clinical emergencies, and central line training. The CNS trained over 1500 learners. The sessions led to discovery of patient safety breaches and opportunities to update and enhance clinical processes. The CNS coached 40 nurses through unit change projects within their units including burnout, noise, patient experience, sepsis, stroke, and clinical deterioration. Fiscal outcomes are $1000,000.
Conclusion
The Clinical Nurse Specialist is a unique advanced practice provider that can help develop, implement, and sustain successful inter-professional patient safety programs at the system, unit, and patient level.