CLABSI Rounding Team: A Collaborative Approach to Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are an ongoing concern in health care, resulting in increased mortality, morbidity, length of stay, and additional costs to hospitals. LOCAL PROBLEM: Despite intermittent improvements in CLABSI rates within our facility, long-term sustainment has been challenging. METHODS: This was a quality improvement project including a collaborative rounding approach supported by specialty nursing roles. INTERVENTIONS: In addition to implementing a variety of evidence-based interventions, the rounding team performed audits to assess performance and created focused education tools to address the identified opportunities within each individual unit. RESULTS: High levels of engagement as evidenced by increased audit completion resulted in CLABSI reductions. However, 2 peaks in CLABSI rates were associated with higher volumes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hospitalizations and decreased audits. CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges correlated with COVID-19, a collaborative rounding team promotes and enhances awareness of prevention methods and a culture of safety.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice Supporting Preparedness in the Spheres of Impact.

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.