A practice model for patient safety: the value of the experienced registered nurse.

Creating a culture of patient safety often involves developing nursing care models that effectively use nursing resources. These authors discuss a nursing care model that focuses on the experienced nurses to enhance the use of their expertise. They provide more direct oversight and surveillance for the care given to all patients through leadership, mentoring, and collaborative practice. The experienced nurse is valued as a clinical leader, instrumental to the development of a safe practice environment. Implementation of this model has resulted in dramatic improvements in safety and registered nurse retention.