Nurse anesthetists are highly trained providers who possess the discipline to put patient safety at the top of the priority list. Despite this fact, they are still humans who err, and are thrust into complex environments that have a lot of sensory stimulation. For this reason, nurses can be pressured and feel distracted. The use of a standardized handoff format has been suggested as a way to help ensure the accuracy of information in order to meet patient safety goals.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice-prepared nurse possesses the leadership skills, knowledge and motivation to effectively apply knowledge into practice. APNs are positioned to advocate for patient security and ensure a culture of safety. The DNP can use principles of leadership to ensure that quality improvement initiatives such as standardized handoff protocols are put into place, adhered to, and sustained.