Nursing Research and Innovation Take Center Stage at Henry Ford Health

DETROIT - From the bedside to driving research and innovation, nurses at Henry Ford Health are helping define the future of healthcare.

Henry Ford Hospital brought together nurses from across the organization on June 1 for its annual conference in Detroit. This year's theme, The Future of Nursing: Discovery, Innovation, Impact, highlighted the system's continued investment in empowering nurses through research, evidence-based practice and quality improvement.

"For more than 100 years, nurses have been at the heart of Henry Ford Hospital's legacy of excellence, innovation, and compassionate care," said Kelly Baird-Cox, a registered nurse and chief nursing officer at Henry Ford Hospital, who holds a doctorate in nursing practice. "As we look to the future, our greatest strength will remain our nurses - leaders who think differently, challenge assumptions, and shape what's next."

Clinical nurses presented 25 research posters on topics including generational differences in the workplace, reducing workplace violence, and nurse-led strategies to minimize infections from ultrasound-guided IVs. In addition, three nursing clinical teams delivered podium presentations recognizing high levels of nursing excellence demonstrated through innovative projects and positive patient outcomes.

The 18th Annual Nursing Research Conference is one of several annual events that highlight the work of Henry Ford Health's 18,000 registered nurses working across 550 sites of care, including 12 acute care hospitals in Metro Detroit, Jackson, and Grand Blanc.

"Research is one of the ways nursing advances practice, improves outcomes, and helps shape the future of care," said Baird-Cox, the event's keynote speaker. "What makes me most proud is the curiosity, innovation, and commitment demonstrated by our nurses every day."

The conference not only recognized existing research but also equipped nurses with the tools and guidance to contribute their own work to Henry Ford Health's growing body of research. Informational sessions focused on helping nurses identify their passion for research, access resources, and translate ideas into meaningful change at the bedside.

Many of this year's presentations will have measurable impacts on patient care, particularly as the new 20-floor Destination: Grand hospital opens in 2029.

At Henry Ford Health, nursing research focuses on four main areas: exploring new ideas, using proven best practices, improving day-to-day care processes, and evaluating programs to see what's working.

This work is supported by a system-wide review process that helps ensure research is safe, ethical, and focused on improving patient care.

Many of the nursing projects are already shaping care practices across the system, while others continue to evolve and inform future improvements in patient care.

The three podium presentations given were:

• Early Intervention to Improve the Lives of Patients on Dialysis: Rachel Ciroski, MSN, RN, nurse manager, nephrology unit, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Rachel Smith, BSN, RN, nurse educator, nephrology unit, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit
• Improving Department Laboratory Specimen Acceptability Through a CUSP-Based Quality Improvement Initiative: Hilja Compian, BSN, RN, clinical nurse, emergency department, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit
• Implementing a Standardized Handoff to Improve Surgical Readiness and Patient Safety: Stephanie Thomson, MSN, RN, assistant clinical manager, PACU, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Gloria Hollohan, MSN, RN, nurse educator, PACU, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit

Top posters were recognized during the conference, including:

• First place: Creating Space for Grief: A Bereavement Support Initiative in Critical Care by Donna Nguyen, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, CVICU; and Morgan Curnell, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, SICU Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit
• Second place: Reducing Physical Violence Against Nursing Staff: Implementing an Agitation Kit by Erin Cavanagh MBA, HCM, BSN, RN, C-ASD, C-PD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit

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