Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation

The Baystate Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation, led by nurses prioritizes the advancement of nursing science through evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and research. Our mission is to enhance patient health and well-being while improving the nursing work environment. As a Magnet Designated organization, we sponsor Nursing Grand Rounds, integrate evidence into daily practice, and foster an environment of inquiry, nurturing nurses as scholars.

Nursing Research Fellowship Program in Partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

The Center for Advancing Nursing Science at Baystate Medical Center has a rigorous Nursing Research Fellowship Program hosted by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The fellowship program is designed to increase nurses’ understanding and skills in conducting small research projects at Baystate Medical Center. Through mentorship from nurse scientists Cidalia Vital, PhD, RN, CNL, CRRN; Karen Giuliano, PhD, RN and Ellen Smithline, PhD, RN, CEN each fellow has written a research proposal, submitted to the Institutional Review Board and conducted their research study.

Partnership with UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation

In 2022, Baystate Medical Center developed a research relationship with the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation to enable joint projects and research studies. The collaboration has resulted in the creation of an environment in which frontline nurses can develop and thrive as clinicians, researchers, experts in implementation science, and leaders in healthcare innovation. Through this formal interdisciplinary collaboration both Centers bridge the gap between the lab bench and bedside patient care.

Dr. Cidalia Vital and Dr. Karen Giuliano were invited as co-presenters at the 2023 and 2024 American Nurses Association Research Symposium. Their presentation, entitled “Academic-Clinical Practice Partnerships: Engaging Clinical Nurses in Research and Healthcare Innovation,” highlighted the numerous benefits of the collaboration between Baystate Medical Center and the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation. Other projects include working with biomedical engineering students on a new approach to fall prevention and a chest tube holder developed by undergraduate students.

The collaboration’s focus on the professional development of nurses and engineers will continue to result in the advancement of nursing and engineering research and (over time) is expected to lead to measurable improvements in patient care and improved job satisfaction for frontline nurses.

Nursing Grand Rounds

Nursing Grand Rounds is a monthly educational initiative designed to provide nurses with valuable learning opportunities on a diverse array of topics. These sessions are accessible both virtually and in person to nurses, nursing students, and other healthcare professionals.

Given the ever-evolving nature of nursing care, it is crucial for nurses to engage in continuous education to refine their clinical skills and stay updated with the latest practices. Nursing Grand Rounds aims to support this ongoing professional development by offering presentations that cover current trends, innovative practices, and evidence-based research.

The primary objectives of Nursing Grand Rounds are to:

1. Enhance Nursing Practice
2. Improve Patient Outcomes
3. Elevate Patient Experience

By participating in Nursing Grand Rounds, nurses can ensure they remain at the forefront of their profession, continually advancing their practice and contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare delivery.

See our Grand Rounds