Introduction:
This article explores the importance of managing patient-centered care as a priority for nursing leaders and managers. The author, a novice nurse, reflects on their skills and abilities while acknowledging the ongoing nature assessment of their competencies using the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) self-assessment tool revealing areas for improvement, particularly in Essential V: Healthcare Policy, Finance, and Regulatory Environments. The author recognizes the significance of these areas despite their current focus on home care and highlights the strong relationship between patient-centered care and the AACN Essentials.
Identifying Areas for Improvement:
The self-assessment using the AACN tool has provided valuable insights for the author’s professional growth. The author scored themselves at 45, indicating areas where improvement is needed, specifically in Essential V. Although the author’s experience lies primarily in-home care, they now realize the importance of gaining knowledge in healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory environments. The dynamic nature of healthcare demands continuous learning and keeping abreast of new medications, technologies, and procedures. Recognizing these growth opportunities, especially in patient-centered care, aligns with the principles outlined in the AACN Essentials (Kramer et al., 2009).
NR 447 Week 2 Embracing Patient-Centered Care in Nursing
The Significance of Patient-Centered Care:
The AACN Essentials prioritize patient-centered care, emphasizing its profound impact on successful patient outcomes. The author highlights the direct relationship between the AACN and patient-centered care, stressing the need for new nurses to embrace opportunities for improvement in this area. As healthcare continually evolves, the promotion of patient-centered care becomes increasingly vital. Adapting to medication changes, technologies, and procedures ensures patients receive holistic, individualized care. By integrating the principles of patient-centered care, nurses can advocate for the control of nursing practice and cultivate a culture that places patients at the center of their care.
Promoting Professionalism and Trust:
Maintaining a high standard of professionalism is essential for nurses to gain the respect and trust of colleagues and, most importantly, patients. By upholding professional values, nurses create an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect. Trust is the foundation of the nurse-patient relationship, enabling effective care delivery and ensuring patients feel safe, heard, and supported throughout their healthcare journey. Upholding professionalism is crucial in building trust, adhering to ethical standards, and promoting the overall well-being of patients.
Conclusion:
Managing patient-centered care is a fundamental responsibility for nursing leaders and managers, as the AACN Essentials emphasizes. The author, recognizing the ongoing nature of education and professional development, has identified areas for improvement through self-assessment. Despite their primary focus on home care, they now acknowledge the significance of healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory environments in providing comprehensive patient care. Embracing patient-centered care enables nurses to adapt to the dynamic healthcare landscape, advocate for the control of nursing practice, and foster a culture centered on the needs and preferences of patients. By maintaining professionalism and trust, nurses can establish strong relationships with colleagues and patients, ultimately contributing to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Through continuous learning and a commitment to improvement, nurses can excel in their roles and positively impact the lives of those they serve.
Reference
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2017). the Essentials Series. Retrieved from
http://www.aacnnursing.org/Education-Resources/AACN-Essentials
Chamberlain College of Nursing. (2018). Standards, Essentials, and Core Competencies. NR-447, Week 2 [Online Lesson]. Downers Grove, IL: DeVry Education Group. Kramer, M., Schmalenberg, C., Maguire, P., Brewer, B., Burke, R., Chmielowski, L., Meeks-Snowstorm.
