Kimberly Pate1, Kathy Shaffer, Latasia Belin, Kiersten Brelewski, Kayla Fuller, Charles Gold, Leslie Golden, Nora Raynor, Sarah Rutledge, Lacey Spangler, Kelley Weaver. 1. Author Affiliations: Director of Policy and Professional Development, Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center (Dr Pate), Charlotte, NC; Women's Service Line Clinical Nurse Specialist (Dr Shaffer), Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC; Orthopedic Specialty Surgery Clinical Nurse Specialist (Ms Belin), Atrium Health Mercy, Charlotte, NC; and Surgical Trauma Clinical Nurse Specialist (Ms Brelewski), Charlotte; Medical Intensive Care Unit Clinical Nurse Specialist (Ms Fuller), Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC; Neurosurgical Intensive Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (Mr Gold), Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC; Clinical Nurse Program Coordinator (Ms Golden) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (Ms Raynor), Atrium Health's Levine Children's Hospital, Charlotte; Inpatient Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Ms Rutledge), Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC; Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit Clinical Nurse Specialist (Ms Spangler), Atrium Health's Carolina's Medical Center, Charlotte, NC; and Medical Service Line Clinical Nurse Specialist (Ms Weaver), Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC.
Abstract
PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: The goal of this article is to describe how a high-functioning clinical nurse specialist (CNS) team rapidly responded to the needs of the patients, nursing staff, and organization as a whole to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: Using the advanced practice knowledge and skills, each CNS moved effortlessly between the 3 spheres of influence, patient, nursing, and organization, to address the unique needs of the COVID-positive patient, as well as the routinely ill who still needed care during a pandemic. In addition to observing and addressing opportunities at the bedside, the CNS team was essential in the development of plans of care, crisis care standards, and a structure for critical care cross-training. OUTCOMES: Five themes essential to success were identified: a common motivation and goal, collaboration, the importance of communication in utilizing established groups to create rapid change, power of influence, and the availability of a vast number of resources including professional nursing roles. CONCLUSION: Using the expertise of a specially trained team of CNSs, an effective plan was established to ensure safe, optimal care during the COVID-19 pandemic and effectively support frontline nurses.
PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: The goal of this article is to describe how a high-functioning clinical nurse specialist (CNS) team rapidly responded to the needs of the patients, nursing staff, and organization as a whole to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: Using the advanced practice knowledge and skills, each CNS moved effortlessly between the 3 spheres of influence, patient, nursing, and organization, to address the unique needs of the COVID-positive patient, as well as the routinely ill who still needed care during a pandemic. In addition to observing and addressing opportunities at the bedside, the CNS team was essential in the development of plans of care, crisis care standards, and a structure for critical care cross-training. OUTCOMES: Five themes essential to success were identified: a common motivation and goal, collaboration, the importance of communication in utilizing established groups to create rapid change, power of influence, and the availability of a vast number of resources including professional nursing roles. CONCLUSION: Using the expertise of a specially trained team of CNSs, an effective plan was established to ensure safe, optimal care during the COVID-19 pandemic and effectively support frontline nurses.