CNO improves outcomes by cultivating staff engagement

Studies show nurse engagement decreases mortality rates and falls while improving safety, quality of care and patient experience. Engagement also improves health facilities’ bottom line. Chief nursing officers (CNOs) can cultivate engagement by listening, asking questions and spending time with staff nurses on the floor observing the challenges they face, Heidi Clark, RN, BSN, CNO at Cox Barton County Hospital in Lamar, Mo., told HealthLeaders Media. “You need to get them to come forward to feel empowered—that what they're suggesting can make a difference and will be listened to," she said. (HealthLeaders Media article, 11/22/21)