Over a Decade of Sustained Excellence

Purpose:
The purpose of this initiative was to convene and sustain an interdisciplinary partnership council to work together as a team to create an environment of collaboration and problem-solving. Our success has to led to an unprecedented commitment to excellence and nationally recognized accomplishments.

Relevance/Significance:
Professional nurses thrive in an environment that empowers them by providing opportunities for autonomy, accountability, and control over their practice. Through development of an interdisciplinary partnership council, the work environment was transformed into a healthy, collaborative practice environment where nurses and their professional colleagues work together to drive excellence through evidence-based standards, professional influence, and a culture of safety amd accountability.

Strategy and Implementation:
Initally convened in response to a higher than expected rate of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP), the interdisciplinary partnership council was originally established in 2003. For over a decade now, this team has created and sustained a unit that is driven by a vision to excel in an environment based on teamwork and collaboration. Led by nursing, the partnership council reviews and implements evidence-based guidelines for practice and sets the expectation for compliance among all team members. Through collaboration, team-building, and problem-solving activities, the council has created the structure, process, and resources that support clinical and organizational autonomy not only for nurses, but the entire clinical team. Daily interdisciplinary rounds, change of shift safety huddles, and a safety coach program are examples of initiatives driven by the council to sustain the unit's commitment to a healthy work environment and culture of excellence.

Evaluation:
The original impetus for the formation of the council was a high rate of VAP. The unit has now gone eleven years without a single case of VAP. This accomplishment has been recognized at both the state and national level. Additional benefits include a highly functional team overall with exceptional quality measures, and patient and employee satisfaction scores consistently in the 90th percentile.

Implications for Practice:
The formation of an interdisciplinary partnership council led to an autonomous work environment where teamwork, collaboration, and an unprecedented commitment to excellence permeate practice. As a result, nurses participe in decision-making and ultimately gain influence over their practice.