D031 MSN Core E-Portfolio Overview

D031 MSN Core E-Portfolio Overview

Student Name

Western Governors University

D031 Advancing Evidence-Based Innovation in Nursing Practice

Prof. Name:

Date

Course and Portfolio Overview

This MSN Core E-Portfolio documents the required Clinical Practice Experience (CPE) activities for the course D031: Advancing Evidence-Based Innovation in Nursing Practice. The portfolio is designed to demonstrate progressive learning across multiple phases, integrating evidence-based practice, innovation, and reflective professional development. Each phase includes specific written deliverables, reflections, and supporting artifacts aligned with course outcomes and the CPE Record requirements.

Phase 1: Required CPE Activities and Timeline

The following table outlines the required activities for Phase 1, including anticipated completion dates and estimated time commitments. This structured schedule supported timely completion and effective workload management.

Role and Responsibilities of a Nurse Innovator

A nurse innovator serves as a catalyst for change within healthcare systems by integrating clinical expertise, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Nurse innovators actively identify gaps in care delivery, inefficiencies in workflows, and emerging patient needs, then design and implement novel solutions to address these challenges. Their work often exists at the intersection of nursing practice, informatics, technology, and organizational leadership.

Nurse innovators are characterized by adaptability, a willingness to challenge traditional practices, and a lower aversion to risk compared to their peers. These individuals frequently engage in activities that promote innovative behaviors, such as piloting new technologies, redesigning care models, and participating in interdisciplinary collaborations (Leary et al., 2024). Core responsibilities include evaluating evidence, leading change initiatives, supporting implementation of digital health tools, and measuring outcomes to ensure improvements are sustainable and patient-centered.

Collaboration is central to the nurse innovator role. Nurse innovators work closely with healthcare administrators, information technology specialists, engineers, and frontline clinicians to ensure innovations are practical, scalable, and aligned with organizational goals. Additionally, nurse innovators advocate for policies and educational strategies that support innovation within nursing. Embedding innovation competencies into nursing education is essential for preparing future nurses to function as change agents and sustain advancement within the profession (Cusson et al., 2020).

By fostering a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement, nurse innovators contribute to safer, more efficient, and more equitable healthcare systems. Their leadership supports not only improved patient outcomes but also enhanced nurse satisfaction and professional growth.

Phase 1 Reflection Summary

Phase 1 emphasized the critical role nurses play as innovators within healthcare. This phase highlighted how frontline nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize system inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Learning about the characteristics of effective nurse innovators reinforced the idea that innovation is not limited to formal leadership roles; rather, it is embedded in everyday nursing practice. Reflecting on personal professional experiences revealed multiple instances in which innovative thinking was already being applied, often unconsciously. This phase reinforced the importance of intentionally cultivating innovation skills through education and practice to ensure continued progress in healthcare delivery.

Phase 2: Evidence Appraisal and Scholarly Resources

Reflection on the Overview Cohort and Evidence Leveling Navigation Tool

The Overview Cohort and the WGU Evidence Leveling Navigation Tool played a significant role in strengthening skills related to the appraisal of peer-reviewed scholarly sources. The overview cohort provided essential orientation to course expectations and highlighted key resources required for successful completion of the CPE activities. In particular, it clarified how and when to apply the Evidence Leveling Navigation Tool during literature appraisal.

The Evidence Leveling Navigation Tool offered a structured, step-by-step framework for evaluating research quality, relevance, and applicability. Utilizing this tool consistently enhanced confidence in assessing scholarly articles and reinforced the understanding that evidence of varying levels can still contribute meaningfully to clinical decision-making when appropriately contextualized.

Importance of Selecting High-Quality Evidence to Support Disruptive Innovation

Selecting high-quality evidence from reputable scholarly platforms is foundational to supporting disruptive innovation in healthcare. Peer-reviewed literature ensures that proposed innovations are grounded in scientifically sound methodologies and validated findings. High-quality evidence strengthens credibility, facilitates stakeholder buy-in, and supports informed decision-making when implementing new models of care.

Reliable evidence is particularly important when introducing disruptive innovations, as these approaches often challenge established workflows and professional norms. Scholarly sources help identify potential risks, ethical considerations, and implementation barriers while also demonstrating effectiveness and patient safety. Furthermore, evidence-based justification is often required to secure organizational approval, funding, and long-term sustainability for innovative initiatives.

Phase 2 Reflection Summary

Phase 2 deepened understanding of how credible, well-vetted research underpins successful innovation. Learning to systematically evaluate and level evidence enhanced the ability to distinguish between high-impact studies and less applicable sources. These skills will be essential in future academic work and professional practice, particularly when proposing or evaluating innovative solutions to complex healthcare problems.

Phase 3: Practice Problem and Disruptive Innovation

Underlying Issues Supporting the Identified Healthcare Practice Problem

Healthcare systems are increasingly challenged by rising patient acuity, workforce shortages, and expanding technological demands. Bedside nurses are frequently responsible for managing patients with complex, multi-system conditions while simultaneously navigating documentation requirements and new clinical technologies. High patient-to-nurse ratios contribute to fatigue, burnout, and increased risk for adverse outcomes.

Variation in clinical experience among nurses further complicates care delivery. Novice nurses and those transitioning to new specialties may lack immediate access to mentorship or clinical guidance during high-pressure situations. Additionally, ongoing advancements in healthcare technology require continuous learning, which can be difficult to maintain amid heavy workloads. These combined factors underscore the need for innovative solutions that provide real-time support to bedside nurses without increasing staffing burdens.

Disruptive Innovation to Improve Healthcare Outcomes

A virtual resource nurse represents a disruptive innovation capable of addressing many of the identified practice challenges. This model leverages telehealth technology to provide bedside nurses with immediate access to experienced nursing support for clinical decision-making, patient education, documentation assistance, and care coordination. By reallocating certain cognitive and administrative tasks to a virtual nurse, bedside clinicians can focus more fully on direct patient care.

Virtual resource nurses also offer just-in-time education and mentorship, supporting skill development and confidence among less experienced staff. This innovation has the potential to improve patient safety, enhance workflow efficiency, reduce burnout, and optimize use of existing nursing resources.

Process for Conducting the Evidence Search

The evidence search was conducted using the WGU Library, with a primary focus on the SAGE database. Key search terms included “virtual nurse,” “virtual resource nurse,” “virtual bedside nurse,” and “hospital setting.” Filters were applied to limit results to publications between 2019 and 2024 to ensure currency and relevance. The Evidence Leveling Navigation Tool was then used to appraise the quality and applicability of identified articles. Selected studies were downloaded and reviewed in full to confirm alignment with the practice problem and proposed innovation.

Phase 3 Reflection Summary

Phase 3 encouraged critical examination of challenges within everyday nursing practice and exploration of innovative strategies to address them. Focusing on workload burden and staffing shortages highlighted the practical value of virtual nursing models. Conducting a structured literature search and systematically vetting sources reinforced the importance of evidence-based innovation. This phase strengthened confidence in applying scholarly evidence to real-world clinical problems and proposing feasible, impactful solutions.

References

Cusson, R. M., Meehan, C., Bourgault, A., & Kelley, T. (2020). Educating the next generation of nurses to be innovators and change agents. Journal of Professional Nursing, 36(2), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2019.07.004

Leary, M., Demiris, G., Brooks Carthon, J. M., Cacchione, P. Z., Aryal, S., & Bauermeister, J. A. (2024). Determining the innovativeness of nurses who engage in activities that encourage innovative behaviors. Nursing Reports, 14(2), 849–870. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14020066

Perpetua, Z., Seitz, S., Schunk, J., Rogers, D., Gala, J., Sherwood, P., Mikulis, A., Santucci, N., Ankney, D., Bryan-Morris, L., & DePasquale, K. (2023). Virtual discharge: Enhancing and optimizing care efficiency for the bedside nurse. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 38(3), 234–242. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000689

Sagastume, R., & Peterson, J. (2023). The virtual nurse program in a community hospital setting. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 28(2). https://doi.org/10.3912/ojin.vol28no02man02

Schwartz, R., Hamlin, S., Vozzella, G., & Randle, L. (2024). Utilizing telenursing to supplement acute care nursing in an era of workforce shortages: A feasibility pilot. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 42, 151–157. https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000001097

Swink, K., Berris, M., King, S., Frame, S., Munoz, R., & Magallon, A. L. (2023). Innovation in nurse staffing models: Implementing a tele–critical care nurse program in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. AACN Advanced Critical Care, 34(4), 334–342. https://doi.org/10.4037/aacnacc2023719

Tibbe, M., Arneson, S., & Welsh, C. (2023). Rise of the virtual nurse. AACN Advanced Critical Care, 34(4), 314–323. https://doi.org/10.4037/aacnacc2023391