The clinical scene investigator academy: the power of staff nurses improving patient and organizational outcomes.

Nurses are in a key position to have an impact on the national quality agenda. However, many lack the quality and safety methods to lead this work. The Clinical Scene Investigator Academy provided 23 nurses from 7 regional hospitals with the knowledge and support necessary to implement nurse-led quality improvement projects. Not only did each Clinical Scene Investigator project improve patient and/or staff outcomes but 3 such projects also had a significant economic impact.