Nursing mortality and morbidity and journal club cycles: paving the way for nursing autonomy, patient safety, and evidence-based practice.

The ability to perform professional scrutiny is a required component of autonomous practice, and the ability to use science to guide care delivery is a hallmark of professional practice. The cardiovascular intensive care unit staff initiated a forum for peer review to encourage the use of the best available evidence to guide system and practice changes. A focus group was formed, resulting in development and implementation of a specific process for regular cycles of nursing mortality and morbidity (M & M) conferences, a journal club, and interdisciplinary educational sessions in staff meetings.