Evidence-Based Practice is used in healthcare settings to provide

the most effective care and to improve patient outcomes. Infection rates are high in the healthcare setting and many are discovering ways to decrease the prevalence. In the emergency department over half of my patients will receive an intravenous catheter which is infusing isotonic solutions for rehydration. I often administer IV medications through a hub or needless connector. Studies show that colonization of the needless connector contributes to 50% of postinsertion catheter-related infections. My facility has used EBP to determine that infection rate can be decreased by applying a hub protector, this device twists onto the needless connector (NC) and contains an alcohol-based swab inside. This eliminates the risk of surface pathogens entering the NC causing infection. 
            Kotter and Cohen's Model of Change is based on evidence gathered through reviews and focuses on individual's feelings and emotions. The model contains 8 steps for a successful change. In my current emergency room department, we're implementing "team huddles" for the whole department at the beginning and end of each shift. This allows the charge nurse to review the pertinent information to the staff as well as discuss the main topics to focus on for the department. I would plan on using Kotter and Cohen's model in the advanced nursing career. When a change needs to be made, understanding the urgency and providing empowerment of all individuals involved in the change will help with the implementation. Educating the staff on the importance of team huddles and implementing that in my future advanced nursing career. 




Needs a peer response from a student nurse practitioner's point of view with references.