Elements Supporting Translation of Evidence Into Practice: A Model for Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Scientist Collaboration

Purpose/objectives: To present evidence-based elements supporting the synergistic relationship between nurse scientists and clinical nurse specialists to improve the translation of evidence into practice.

Description of the project/program: Using best-practice elements to support the improvement of evidence-based translation, we define the roles and synergies between nurse scientists and clinical nurse specialists within clinical environments.

Outcome: Five themes were identified in the literature review:● Although clinical nurse specialists and nurse scientists differ in focus and competencies, they are in key positions to collaborate to meet healthcare demands.● Clinical nurse specialists are well-equipped to implement the science developed by nurse scientists.● To meet the increased demands and complexity of the healthcare system and patient needs, organizational leadership must lend support to clinical nurse specialists and nurse scientist collaboration.● Clinical nurse specialists are well-positioned to foster interprofessional partnerships and generate opportunities for evidence-based project initiatives across healthcare disciplines.● Clinical nurse specialists should utilize professional models to inform practice to improve the review, translation, and implementation of research into practice.

Conclusion: Projects conducted using a collaborative structure had a system-level impact and long-term sustainability capabilities. Additionally, projects were more likely to be disseminated by clinical nurse specialists within a formal structure.