Performance Objective 1: Provide patient and family centered nursing care to adults with complex health needs using theories and principles of nursing and related disciplines.
Rationale:
Patient and family centered care is a philosophy of care that recognizes the patient and family as the unit of care. It is based on the belief that patients and families have the right to be involved in all aspects of their care, and that their input is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Description:
The nurse will provide patient and family centered care by:
- Assessing the patient’s and family’s needs and preferences.
- Involving the patient and family in all aspects of care planning and decision making.
- Communicating effectively with the patient and family.
- Providing emotional support to the patient and family.
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers.
Evidence:
- The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, Crossing the Quality Chasm, recommends that healthcare organizations adopt a patient-centered approach to care.
- The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines patient-centered care as “care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values.”
- A number of studies have shown that patient-centered care can improve patient satisfaction, quality of care, and health outcomes.
Implementation:
The nurse will implement patient and family centered care by:
- Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s and family’s needs and preferences.
- Including the patient and family in all aspects of care planning and decision making.
- Communicating effectively with the patient and family in a way that they can understand.
- Providing emotional support to the patient and family.
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers.
Evaluation:
The nurse will evaluate the effectiveness of patient and family centered care by:
- Monitoring the patient’s and family’s satisfaction with care.
- Measuring the patient’s health outcomes.
- Obtaining feedback from the patient and family.
Performance Objective 2: Initiate the use of appropriate resources in direct care responsibilities within complex adult health situations.
Rationale:
In order to provide safe and effective care to patients with complex health needs, nurses must be able to identify and use appropriate resources. This includes resources such as medications, equipment, and other healthcare providers.
Description:
The nurse will initiate the use of appropriate resources by:
- Identifying the patient’s needs.
- Knowing the available resources.
- Collaborating with other healthcare providers.
- Making appropriate referrals.
Evidence:
- The ANA Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses state that nurses are responsible for “ensuring that the patient receives the appropriate care and services.”
- The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) include a goal that requires hospitals to “identify and report patients at risk for harm.”
- A number of studies have shown that patients who receive care from nurses who are knowledgeable about resources are more likely to have positive outcomes.
Implementation:
The nurse will initiate the use of appropriate resources by:
- Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s needs.
- Knowing the available resources, such as medications, equipment, and other healthcare providers.
- Collaborating with other healthcare providers to identify the best resources for the patient.
- Making appropriate referrals to other healthcare providers or agencies.
Evaluation:
The nurse will evaluate the effectiveness of using appropriate resources by:
- Monitoring the patient’s progress.
- Measuring the patient’s health outcomes.
- Obtaining feedback from the patient and family.
Performance Objective 3: Demonstrate effective therapeutic communication and relationship skills in family centered nursing care to adults with complex health needs.
Rationale:
Therapeutic communication is essential for building rapport with patients and families, and for providing effective care. Nurses must be able to communicate effectively in order to assess patients’ and families’ needs, to provide education, and to support patients and families through difficult times.
Description:
The nurse will demonstrate effective therapeutic communication and relationship skills by:
- Actively listening to the patient and family.
- Using open-ended questions.
- Providing clear and concise information.
- Demonstrating empathy and compassion.
- Building rapport with the patient and family.
Evidence:
- The ANA Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses state that nurses are responsible for “establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with the patient.”
- The Joint Commission’s NPSGs include a goal that requires hospitals to “communicate with patients in a way that they can understand.”
A number of studies have shown that patients who receive care from nurses who are skilled in therapeutic communication are more likely to be satisfied with their care.
