Title: Expanding a legacy of excellence: The transformative journey, impact and future vision of a nurse scholars academy
Abstract:
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, a bold experiment involving the creation of an innovative Nurse Scholars Academy has resulted in a profound advancement of professional nursing in one large integrated health system. The guiding concept of the Academy was to prepare nurses at all levels of the organization to meet the complex challenges of healthcare today, while ensuring system transformation well into the future. This presentation will outline the Academy’s evolution, key innovations, barriers, outcomes, and emerging vision for the future. The personal, professional, and organizational impact of a Nurse Scholars Academy provides evidence and added insight into the core attributes and challenges in building and sustaining cultures of professional excellence.
Historical Overview: Founded with a mission to equip nurses with the skills needed to excel in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the Nurse Scholars Academy has consistently fostered innovation and excellence. Over the past decade, the Academy has expanded to include five specialized academies: Nurse Scholars Academy, Research and Innovation Academy, Mental Health Academy, Caring Science Academy, and Allied Health Scholars Academy. Each academy has launched numerous programs under its seven pillars, which include educational advancements, leadership development, and clinical excellence. These initiatives have enhanced the professional journey of individual nurses and set a benchmark for education and practice for allied health partners.
Accomplishments: The Academy's significant achievements include award-winning academic partnerships with local Schools of Nursing. These collaborations have produced numerous scholarly articles, books, and educational videos, contributing to the broader nursing knowledge base. Pre-pandemic, the Academy focused on the Quadruple Aim with Caring Science as its core to promote joy and resilience among nurses. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Academy demonstrated remarkable resilience, with 21 hospitals quickly adapting and thriving. The Academy's model is now being adopted enterprise-wide, setting a new standard for professional nursing practice. The Academy programs have also played a pivotal role in accelerating the Magnet journey, with a medical center achieving Magnet Recognition with Distinction, highlighting its commitment to excellence in nursing. Additionally, the Caritas Coach Education Program under the Caring Science Academy’s auspices has emerged as a pioneer in Caring Science, earning multiple Lotus Awards for its contributions. The Academy's journey toward Baldrige Excellence further exemplifies its dedication to quality and performance improvement, reinforcing its leadership in the healthcare sector. Notably, the Academy has had a positive impact on the recruitment and retention of nurses and leaders, significantly transforming the professional culture within the organization.
Future Vision: Looking ahead, the Scholars Academy envisions a future where its health system serves as a global model for nursing excellence. This vision is supported by ongoing leadership and partnerships, including a significant grant from the American Nurses Foundation and collaboration with Dr. Tim Porter O'Grady on the future of nursing initiatives. The Academy aims to continue its legacy of innovation, leadership, and professional development, ensuring that its nurses are well-prepared to lead and transform healthcare globally.
Audience Take Away:
- Participants will identify the key components and outcomes of a Nurse Scholars Academy and the programs that have contributed to a culture of professional nursing excellence.
- Participants will evaluate the strategic initiatives that have enabled the Nurse Scholars Academy to adapt and thrive in unrelenting healthcare challenges, positioning it as a model for future nursing education and practice.
