Susanna Russell, B.S.N., R.N., CMSRN, is a Level V nurse in the Inpatient Surgery unit at Texas Health Allen. She has participated in Texas Health’s Nursing Career Advancement Program (NCAP) for the past five years.
She started at a Level III and worked her way to Level V, which is considered an “advanced expert” nurse. At this level, nurses work to identify, evaluate, and implement evidenced-based practice research opportunities focusing on patient outcomes and nurse sensitive indicators. These nurses seek opportunities to positively impact patient outcomes.
For Susanna, the greatest benefit in participating in NCAP has been the opportunities to further her education, clinical experience and volunteer hours, including the opportunity to serve her congregation as a Faith Community Nurse.
“Participating in NCAP has helped me to advance my career because I intentionally look for ways to improve my practice, both inside and outside of the hospital,” she said. “I’m always actively looking to become involved in different opportunities around the hospital and the Texas Health system.”
In addition, she says NCAP is an easy way to earn extra money.
“Every hour you get paid for, even PTO and education hours, you get your NCAP differential added on,” she explained.
She often speaks with her peers about considering NCAP.
“It seems overwhelming at first, but if you just break it down, step-by-step, before you know it, you’ll be done or you will have a game plan for successfully completing it,” she said. “A lot of the requirements for NCAP are things we already do, it’s just a matter of properly documenting them.”
