Involving Clinical Nurses in Evaluation of a Professional Practice Model: A Focus Group Research Study Approach.

As part of the Magnet® application process, chief nurse executives (CNEs) are challenged to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Professional Practice Model (PPM) and include clinical nurses in this process. A focus group approach is a way to meet dual goals of evaluating the PPM and involving clinical nurses in the research process. The article describes how a focus group approach can be used effectively to identify themes and highlight the role of the CNE.

Effectiveness of standard of care protocol on patient satisfaction and perceived staff caring.

Background: Nurse caring has been linked to many clinical outcomes, including patient satisfaction, well-being, and healing. In addition, it is valued by nursing staff and viewed as being essential to clinical practice.

Objectives: The purpose of this program evaluation study was to determine the difference in patient satisfaction with overall nursing care and perceived nurse caring when a nursing staff standard of care protocol, which included caring activities, was implemented within a nursing department at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.