AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Implementing Clinical Nurse Leader Role Improves Core Measures Performance, Patient and Physician Satisfaction and Reduces Nurse Turnover

Innovation Profile:

Implementing Clinical Nurse Leader Role Improves Core Measures Performance, Patient and Physician Satisfaction and Reduces Nurse Turnover



Summary
St. Lucie Medical Center created a new position, known as the clinical nurse leader, who provides interdisciplinary coordination, facilitates care planning, serves as a physician liaison, encourages quality improvement and adherence to evidence-based practices, mentors and coaches less experienced nurses, and communicates with the patient and family. The program led to improved performance on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services core measures, reduced nurse turnover, and increased patient and physician satisfaction.

See the Results section and Planning and Development section for new information (updated January 2011).

Evidence Rating
Moderate: The evidence consists of before-and-after comparisons of key outcomes measures, including scores on CMS core measures, nurse turnover, and physician and patient satisfaction.

Developing Organizations
American Association of Colleges of Nursing; Florida Atlantic University; St. Lucie Medical Center

Date First Implemented
2006

full-text:
AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Implementing Clinical Nurse Leader Role Improves Core Measures Performance, Patient and Physician Satisfaction and Reduces Nurse Turnover