Abstract
Purpose: The aims of this study are to describe a program to achieve disease-specific care (DSC) certification from The Joint Commission and highlight the value of the advanced practice nurse in the certification outcome.
Description of Program: The expertise in clinical practice, performance improvement, and leadership skills demonstrated by the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) can be instrumental in building a strong foundation for a DSC certification program. As an organization prepares for a DSC on-site review, the CNS can guide the program stakeholders in identifying gaps in care, developing action plans to meet certification standards, and preparing team members for the DSC on-site review.
Outcome: At this Midwestern, 504-bed facility, The Joint Commission DSC certifications were achieved in 5 separate categories: diabetes, stroke, sepsis, total hip replacement, and total knee replacement.
Conclusion: By influencing a certain patient population throughout the organization, population-focused CNSs are in a unique role to lead an interprofessional team or serve as an expert consultant in pursuing DSC certification from The Joint Commission.