Purpose:

To demonstrate a new model of CNS practice through motivational seminar education, with a call to action followed by virtual mentoring on changing practice and assistance with resources through Internet communication.

Significance:

The virtual CNS role extends the impact of the role beyond the walls of an institution to offer this resource and expertise to staff nurses who want to make a difference but are unsure of how to get started.

Design/Background/Rationale:

There are a large number of organization that are not fortunate enough to have a CNS to help guide in evidence-based practice change and professional development of the staff.

Methods/Description:

The initial contact is made through delivery of educational seminars that provide evidence-based education with a strong motivational component to propel the staff nurse/educator or manager to have a desire to begin a grassroots initiative to improve practice. The offer to provide support through the Internet with mentoring of the change process and evidence-based resources is given. The financial compensation can be built into the seminar fee, or, with industry-sponsored seminars, the clinical follow through can be negotiated as a consulting fee.

Findings/Outcomes:

With 2 full years of performing the virtual CNS role, the outcomes have been exciting. One organization's ICU started a practice committee and within 2 years had conducted 17 PI projects to improve practice. They presented a poster at a national meeting crediting the virtual CNS for inspiring their work. Multiple examples of evidence-based practice improvement through the virtual CNS role have helped to change nurses and patients' lives by evidence-based practice changes, including positioning, oral care, reducing infections, and early recognition and treatment of sepsis. The feedback to demonstrate success comes through many sources, including e-mail updates, publications, phone calls, and industry feedback.

Conclusions:

The virtual CNS role stretches the traditional boundaries of improving clinical practice at the bedside.