Photo:

Photo courtesy/Elaine Andrecovich.

By Anya Bochman
Unveiled earlier this year after several years of planning, the Center for Nursing Innovation and Research (CNIR) for Morristown Medical Center (MMC) is providing greater research and innovation.
MMC holds the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) designation of a “magnet facility;” inspired by the ANCC requirement for its “magnet recognition program,” a formal plan to expand innovation and research resources via a specialized nursing center evolved. With support from the Women’s Association for MMC, the organizers were able to realize their vision this year.
“We are grateful to the Women’s Association for MMC for the funding to support the CNIR,” said Carol Jones, chief nursing officer of MMC. “Within ten months of receiving funding the new space was built and utilized.”
According to Jones, the primary goal of CNIR will be “improving patient and family outcomes related to the health and well-being of individuals.” This design will be accomplished by utilizing CNIR’s research capacity to find improvements in healthcare, researching best practices or by exploring innovative changes in care delivery. PhD-prepped nurses will be spearheading all research and innovative
endeavors at the center.
According to Jones, one benefit of the CNIR is more flexible scheduling. For example, two formal education programs for research and innovation are held annually at MMC; the classes now take place at the CNIR, facilitating participation.
Additionally, the CNIR will hold classes highlighting new perspectives leading to innovations in the fall. An Evidence-based Scholar Program is also now held at the center.
Jones pointed out the various ways that the CNIR will serve the diverse needs of nurses.
“Frequently, there is a research component associated with academic studies,” said Jones. Nurses who are required to conduct research for academic purposes [can do so at CNIR], and seek guidance from nurse researchers at the center. Other nurses seek to learn about the evaluation of existing evidence or how to generate new
knowledge through research.”
The CNIR is open to any nurse working at Morristown Medical Center, and no special requirements are needed to meet with the nurse researchers about new ideas or research projects.
“Motivated nurses are welcome and encouraged to utilize the resources and space!” Jones stated, adding that the formal classes on Evidence-based Practice and Innovation require an application due to limited class size.
According to Jones, in the short period of time since the CNIR’s opening, nurses and physicians have provided favorable feedback. The frequent use of the space, including use by interprofessional teams for concept exploration and assistance planning studies has demonstrated the need for and desirability of the center.
Additionally, members of the non-medical community who have seen the CNIR have shared their enthusiasm for nursing activities with Jones and her colleagues.
Expressing hope that use of the center will continue to evolve and grow, Jones stated that nursing leadership at MMC will perhaps engage members of the community and area organizations, such as the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, to collaborate on efforts of how to best serve the community.
“Serving the community, as well as improving patient outcomes, are goals of the Atlantic Health System and Morristown Medical Center,” Jones said. “Nurse leaders at Morristown Medical Center have always been innovators!”