National Nursing Practice Network

These and other questions stimulated us to develop the NNPN—National Nursing Practice Network®, a consortium of acute care healthcare agencies committed to the use of evidence-based practices (EBP) through a collaborative model designed to promote shared learning and participation. Member organizations represent nurses in 26 states in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Singapore and consist of community, academic, and VA hospitals. We are excited about the work we are doing and the future possibilities for continued improvement in patient care.

Marita G. Titler, PhD, RN, FAAN
Director, NNPN—National Nursing Practice Network®

nancy_dole

Nancy Dole, BSN, RN is a staff nurse in ambulatory care at University of Iowa Health Care. She recognized that a frequent procedure such as blood pressure monitoring can be difficult for a growing patient population—those with large arms. As the obese and body building population has grown, our equipment has not changed to accommodate their arm size and shape. Nancy and her team developed an evidence-based practice change through the Evidence-Based Practice Staff Nurse Internship, changing practice locally and nationally.

The Iowa City VA is a member of the NNPN and received the 2008 STAR award for their innovative implementation strategies that increased the effectiveness and efficiency of an existing evidence-based weight reduction project called MOVE. The project team included: Krista Kazembe (Physical Therapist), Joyce Kron-Chalupa (Move Coordinator), Barb Amende-Evans (dietitian), Joseph Dillon (Physician Champion), Steve Mallinger (clerk), and Doris Stormoen (psychologist).

“This team was willing to take risks and fail. All failures were considered as additional opportunities. All successes were considered as avenues to improve outcomes at an even higher level.”

For a project description and valuable lessons learned…