THE SYNERGY MODEL IN PRACTICE Applying the Synergy Model to Nursing Education

T he Synergy Model was adapted by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses as a basis for nursing practice and for CCRN and CCNS certification examinations. In the latter examination, a variety of scenarios typify how the Synergy Model is the basis for practice for the clinical nurse specialist. The model describes 7 characteristics that patients will manifest during various phases of their illness (Table 1). The model also describes 8 nursing competencies that are essential for the delivery of quality patient care (Table 2). The Synergy Model links patient characteristics and nurse competencies to enhance optimal patient outcomes. Since the implementation of the Synergy Model, numerous exemplars have been published illustrating its incorporation into clinical practice. These exemplars have centered around direct patient care situations. The Synergy Model also provides a basis for the multifaceted role of the nurse educator. THE NURSE EDUCATOR’S ROLES Under the supervision of a preceptor, an orientee assumes responsibility for the care of acutely or critically ill patients. This care includes conducting a complete, accurate initial assessment of the patient’s condition; identifying current patient problems; and developing, implementing, and evaluating a plan of care. The nurse educator works to develop the psychomotor, criticalthinking, and clinical decisionmaking skills of the orientee. Enhancing the orientee’s application of content learned in critical care orientation classes and principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology is inherent in the role of the nurse educator and is essential for the promotion of optimal patient outcomes. One of the exciting aspects of working in a critical care unit is the anticipation of using technology and equipment that encompass a large percentage of the patient’s environment. New nurses have the tendency to initially focus on equipment. The initial perceived priority of the new critical care nurse is to master the technology. When competency THE SYNERGY MODEL IN PRACTICE