The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice is the framework for initiating improvements in nursing practice and patient care, supporting the integration of evidence into practice through literature review, continuous quality improvement methodology, and formal research. Annual Courage in Innovation projects enable evidence-based innovation by direct care givers on the nursing unit.
Each nurse has the responsibility to participate in research/research utilization
Education is provided during orientation and annual offerings to enhance competency
Research may be conducted locally, and/or through participation in nursing research studies conducted on a broader scale
Nurses utilize data from the National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators to monitor and improve performance.
Mercy participates in many national research studies and is a member of the National Nursing Practice Network.