Role of the DNP Scholar: Leading Change in Translation
Reflect upon the selected practice problem in Weeks 1 and 2 to address the following.
- Which translation model provides a framework for practice change?
- What is the value of an interprofessional team to address this practice problem?
- In influencing improvement outcomes to address this problem, what strategies can you implement to inspire others to embrace change?
Leading Change
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) charged professionals with timely translation of evidence, dissolution of silos, and the embrace of teamwork focused on shared goals of translating best available evidence to practice. Translating evidence into practice is the key to influencing practice problems and corresponding outcomes. The DNP-prepared nurse is best suited to lead the complex undertaking of designing, implementing, and evaluating a practice change project. The DNP practice scholar is equipped with both the required foundational knowledge and skills and experience in the application of the principles of translation science. Several skills are foundational as the practice scholar assumes the role of leading the articulation of a compelling practice problem. These skills include the following.
A global perspective or mindset
A global perspective that includes an understanding of national practice problems as well as the ability to assess the practice problem at the local level is a required skill. This mindset allows the practice scholar to assess and then articulate a compelling practice problem. The DNP prepared nurse responds effectively to the national practice problems and adapts them to their work on a regional and local level.
Expert decision-making skills
A key quality in the practice scholar is decision-making skills. Practice decisions based on research and empirical science are most likely to achieve the desired results of influencing practice outcomes.
Being politically astute
Politics surrounds us and is part of every practice setting. DNP practice scholars need to make the right political decisions if they are to succeed. Connecting with key stakeholders in practice build relationships that serve to better understand practice priorities.
Collaborative and team building skills
Good leadership is all about creating good working relationships, identifying a common purpose with colleagues and working together cooperatively. However, achieving the right balance is not always easy. The focus for the practice scholar needs to be on collaboration, becoming great role models and creating a sense of community through mentoring, clear communication and conflict management.
Coping effectively with change
Being visionary and proactive when faced with a practice setting defined by rapid change and chaos is perhaps the most important of all the qualities listed. Today’s practice settings face continual change in the form of organizational restructuring, quality improvement and employee retention. Such change brings with it feelings of pride and stress in equal measures. The DNP practice scholar embraces change, adapt to it and in doing so re-energize and empower the workforce.
Creating a Culture for Translation
DNP scholars, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to translate evidence, are well-placed to initiate change and transform the current healthcare landscape. However, cultures within health organizations may impede the implementation of new ideas and practice methods. Change is difficult to implement and sustain in an organizational system. Therefore, the work of the practice scholar in leading change involves reshaping the climate of the organization and building a culture of shared goals to improve outcomes for patients and the organization. Uniting the members of the organization in a collaborative vision with the strategic direction of the institution is vital to building a culture for translation. This vision and direction creates a shared responsibility for prioritizing, cultivating, and sustaining evidence translation that must be upheld by leaders and staff alike.
View the following activity by scrolling down or clicking on the dots to the right to explore strategies for building a culture of translation.
Action by well-placed practice scholars supports the transformation of the healthcare culture into an environment that supports evidence translation. Promoting an intentional culture of translation can lead to a positive and sustained impact on successful patient and organizational outcomes and can close the quality gap between current and optimal practice methods.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2004). AACN position statement on the practice doctorate in nursing. Author.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. Author.
Dang, D., & Dearholt, S. (2018). Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice model and guidelines (3rd ed.). Sigma Theta Tau International.
Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing, leading change, advancing health. National Academies.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. Author.
White, K. M., Dudley-Brown, S., & Terhaar, M. F. (2016). Translation of evidence into nursing and health care (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
- Chapter 14: Creating a Culture That Promotes Translation
