Continuous quality improvement (CQI) is defined by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as a philosophy and attitude for analyzing capabilities and processes and improving them repeatedly to achieve customer satisfaction" (Huber, 2010, p523).

In other words, CQI is more or less a specific process that is focused on improving parts of the job for the benefit of the patient and their ultimate level of satisfaction.

Huber (2010) also goes on to identify CQI as a set of specific methods that calculate specific issues, ways of how and when to fix existing issues, and also a method of evaluating whether or not new implementations prove effective. Nurses are also responsible for implementing CQI, which is more or less a process that nurses are trained to do in nursing school.

CQI is similar to the nursing process in that it requires assessment, intervention, implementation, and evaluation of outcomes. Staff nurses are expected to fully participate in the CQI process by committing to utilizing a teamwork approach to appropriately address, resolve, and improve specific issues related to process improvements (Huber, 2010).

In an effort to reduce waste and decrease cross-contamination amongst patients, an example of CQI that I took place at the first hospital I ever worked at was an implementation of single-use, disposable products for patients. Examples of these products included single-use rolls of tape, single-use rolls of coban, single-use peri care lotions and wipes, single-use wound cleansers, and single-use telemetry cords.

I found this ingenious, and was even inspired to do my most recent research paper during week three on this particular topic. With that said, I do realize that implementing the change is only a fraction of what is required with a CQI project. My plan once I graduate with my BSN is to propose this same type of rollout to the current department for which I work.

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