Clinical Nurse Specialist and Clinical Nurse Leader Collaboration During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PurposeThe aim of this study was to describe an innovative strategy to maintain healthcare worker safety and optimal patient outcomes that was implemented by a healthcare system in the Southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.Program DescriptionDuring the surges of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems have struggled with healthcare worker burnout, high staff turnover rates, and redeployment of staff to unfamiliar areas and the uncertainty regarding COVID-19 personal protection and patient care. Clinical nurse specialist/clinical nurse leader teams were created to help ensure healthcare worker safety and optimize patient care outcomes.OutcomeHealthcare worker safety and desired patient outcomes were maintained. Throughput was expedited for emergency department patients, and there was timely implementation of therapeutic modalities for critically ill patients.ConclusionClinical nurse specialist/clinical nurse leader team collaboratively cross-trained staff to ensure their safety and delivery of quality patient care. The team was pivotal in helping safeguard staff from harm while optimizing patient outcomes. Lessons learned will help us in future disasters as well as our daily operations.