Publication Date
Spring 2026
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing
Department
Nursing, School of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Linda Wofford, DNP, RN, CPNP
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
The SAFE (Stop–Ask–Feel Empowered) initiative strengthens patient safety by increasing bedside nurses’ confidence and consistency in questioning provider orders and clinical decisions. Hierarchical culture, fear of negative reactions, and low confidence often prevent nurses from seeking clarification, increasing the risk of preventable errors. SAFE directly addresses these barriers by embedding structured inquiry into daily nursing practice.
Guided by Lewin’s Change Theory, SAFE will be implemented over six months. All unit nurses will receive standardized SAFE badge cards that provide clear, formatted prompts to support respectful, effective communication with the interdisciplinary team. These badge cards serve as a practical, visible reminder that asking questions is an expected and supported component of patient care.
Nurse leaders will reinforce a culture of inquiry by collecting and sharing “Good Catch” stories that demonstrate how speaking up prevented errors or near misses. At least one Good Catch will be recognized during monthly huddles, with a certificate and coffee voucher incentive to promote engagement and sustainability.
The initiative will be evaluated using anonymous pre‑ and post‑implementation Likert‑scale surveys measuring nurses’ confidence in clarifying provider orders. Additional outcome measures include the number of Good Catch submissions and changes in near‑miss reporting rates. At the three‑month reassessment, progress toward goals will be reviewed.
Within six months, SAFE aims for at least 80% of nurses to report confidence in clarifying orders and a 20% reduction in near‑miss incidents. Reinforcement through leadership support and regular huddle reminders will sustain improvements. SAFE empowers nurses, strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration, and improves patient safety outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Heather; Dunlap, Allie; Rabideaux, Madi; and Cardeiro, Sonia, "SAFE (Stop-Ask-Feel Empowered)" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 648.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/648
