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The organization of patient care in many acute care institutions lacks a foundation in nursing theory, yet preliminary evidence of the value of professional nursing care is increasing. The process and preliminary benefits of organizing patient care according to a professional practice model are presented using a collaborative partnership between an acute care organization and a school of nursing. A pilot implementation plan with formative and summative evaluation provided preliminary evidence used in project expansion.

Decisions in virtually every sector of modern healthcare are increasingly guided by the doctrine of evidence-based medicine. This includes the choice of materials and medical devices used in life-sustaining procedures such as infusion therapy. Environmental activists contend that devices made from plasticized vinyl, which are ubiquitous in healthcare settings, constitute a health risk to patients and should be deselected for these and other procedures. An evidence-based assessment refutes these allegations and makes clear that for most applications, vinyl remains superior to alternative materials in terms of safety and performance.

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Many models and approaches are available to manage change and plan for the future. Large group intervention is one approach to tapping the collective wisdom of a nursing system facing formidable adaptive challenges. Large group interventions involve many people, and they include open sharing of information, group problem-solving, participation, and sharing of power to create a shared future. One model for creating a vision for the future is called "Future Search". In this article, we describe the methodology of Future Search as a model to plan for change. A case study illustrates the use of a Nursing Future Search by an integrated, not-for-profit healthcare organization in northern Virginia. Results and the outcomes of a 6-month follow-up conference reveal nine planning groups that are moving a community of nurses to action.