Integrating the clinical nurse specialist into a multi-state hospice in a large healthcare system

Integrating the clinical nurse specialist into a multi-state hospice in a large healthcare system
Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing; by Jennifer Jarrett Lee, Melissa Robinson; 8/25
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are increasingly recognized for their role and impact in hospice and palliative care. The integration of a CNS into the practice of a large, multistate Hospice and Palliative Care program is discussed in this article. A timeline is provided with 4 phases of integration with priorities identified and specific strategies that were implemented to overcome challenges during the process. The value of CNS practice to the organization is highlighted in 3 practice exemplars, showing return on investment in terms of increased patient safety and implementation of evidence-based practice for home infusions, developing nurse confidence through complex case reviews, and reducing staff injuries through developing a Safe Patient Handling program.