Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
Spring 2026
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Susan Alderman
Abstract
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a problem, both globally and locally at this 20-bed pediatric cardiovascular ICU in Houston, TX. Bedside nursing staff had gaps in knowledge of central line policies and were often unaware of when dressings needed to be changed. This posed a significant concern, as this nosocomial infection is among the most life-threatening and costly complications in healthcare. Leadership attempted to correct this issue with weekly multidisciplinary rounds, but with high turnover, this was not a long-term fix. This quality improvement project aimed to increase central line policy compliance among bedside nursing staff to 93%, from a baseline of 85%, to reduce the occurrence of CLABSIs. The FADE framework was used to develop the intervention, a central line report sheet. PDSA cycles were used to strategize adjustments to the project to better fit the site’s needs. Routine audits with real-time feedback, staff education, and steady collaboration with bedside staff and interim leadership supported project implementation. The project demonstrated improvement in central‑line care compliance, with increases in audit scores following education and workflow changes. However, leadership turnover and the absence of a dedicated quality RN limited the consistency of reinforcement and slowed progress toward full adherence. Despite these challenges, staff engagement and audit participation increased over the project period. Standardizing practices improved consistency, while emphasizing the importance of stable and supportive leadership in sustaining QI initiatives. Increased visualization, leadership alignment, and reinforcement of policy practices are recommended to maintain gains and further reduce noncompliance and infection rates.
Keywords
infection, bedside nursing, infection prevention, compliance, CLABSI
Recommended Citation
Keyshawna N. Chambers, "Improving Bedside Nurse Central Line Policy Compliance and Combating CLABSIs" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 188.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/188