Hospital-wide intravenous initiative : Evidence-based nursing practice

During a 6-month period under the leadership of a clinical nurse specialist, a Midwestern tertiary care hospital explored the need for standardizing a hospital-wide intravenous infusion system, based on best practice. The Center for Advanced Nursing Practice's Evidence-Based Practice Model guided the process for successful design, implementation, and reporting of results. The new system contributed to positive outcomes identified in project goals: (1) to minimize patient risk from interruption of intravenous lines; (2) to increase clinician satisfaction by improved user safety and system standardization; and (3) to demonstrate responsible organizational financial stewardship. Ultimately, the standardized hospital-wide intravenous initiative empowered bedside clinicians by providing an infrastructure for best practice.