Exemplary Professional Practice

Professional Growth

We establish a culture of learning that promotes professional growth and development, supports the mission, ensures high quality care and enhances patient safety and outcomes. St. Cloud Hospital invests financially in continuing education and tuition reimbursement, and supports national certification and membership in professional organizations.

Autonomy

RNs are expected to practice autonomously consistent with professional standards within our scope of practice.

Innovation and Dissemination

Innovation is a novel set of behaviors, routines, and ways of working directed at improving health outcomes, administrative efficiency, cost effectiveness, revenue enhancement, or users’ experience; and implemented by planned and coordinated actions. As healthcare leaders, all RNs foster and value innovation by introduction of new ideas, methods, or devices that progressively transform nursing. Our innovative methods and projects are disseminated through posters, presentations, and publications.

Nursing-Sensitive Indicators

Nursing-sensitive indicators reflect the outcome of professional nursing care. Patient outcomes such as pressure ulcers, falls, and patient satisfaction, improve when there is a greater quantity or quality of nursing care. St. Cloud Hospital submits data to the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators and other databases to benchmark ourselves against other organizations.

Performance Improvement

RNs use a data analytical approach to performance improvement, designed to bring multiple disciplines together to evaluate care focused on pertinent patient processes or outcomes. The Plan, Do, Study, Act model is used to guide the process for improvement. Rapid cycle change and LEAN are additional methods of performance improvement processes. Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB) is an outcome of an exceptional rapid cycle change process and continues to grow throughout the organization.

Evidence-Based Practice

We use The Iowa Model Revised: Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Excellence in Health Care to search for and critically appraise the most relevant evidence to guide our clinical practice and improve sustainable outcomes.

Nursing Research

RNs at St. Cloud Hospital participate in activities to support clinical inquiry and develop new knowledge by participating in or conducting nursing research.

Clinical Ladder Program

The program recognizes and rewards the clinical nurse for participation in activities and education that benefit their unit, hospital, and community. Clinical nurses who have advanced in the clinical ladder program are considered resources to their peers.

Magnet Designation

Magnet designation is the highest international recognition for excellence in the delivery of nursing services that are provided in a professional practice environment. SCH has been Magnet designated since 2004. Magnet honors the strong nursing and multidisciplinary team practice and each individual’s commitment to quality patient care and exceptional patient outcomes.