NRS 415 The Role of the Professional Nurse Essay

NRS-415: Nursing Leadership and Interprofessional Collaboration Course introduces the student to the Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, the role of the professional nurse, and the importance of effective nursing leadership. Standards of practice, differentiated nursing practice, professional accountability, interprofessional collaboration, and quality improvement are emphasized with importance placed on the application of leadership styles and management skills.

The Nurses’ Role in Promoting Quality Healthcare

In a high-performing healthcare organization, the role of the staff nurse is integral to promoting and maintaining quality patient care. Fawaz et al. (2020) stated that staff nurses are the frontline caregivers who directly interact with patients and their families, making them crucial players in ensuring a positive healthcare experience. Their responsibilities encompass delivering direct patient care and contributing to the overall quality improvement initiatives within the organization. 

The healthcare organization I am familiar with is known for its collaborative and patient-centered culture. It strongly emphasizes interdisciplinary teamwork, open communication, and continuous learning. The organization values innovation and encourages staff at all levels to contribute ideas for process improvements and better patient outcomes.

The CEO of this organization exhibits a transformational leadership style. They inspire and motivate the staff by articulating a clear vision for the organization’s future and fostering a sense of shared purpose. The CEO encourages creativity and empowers employees to take ownership of their roles. On the other hand, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) practices a supportive leadership style, focusing on creating a nurturing and respectful environment for nursing staff to excel. 

The senior leadership recognizes the significance of patient safety and quality improvement. They understand that some changes necessitate financial investments and are willing to allocate resources to support initiatives to enhance patient safety and care delivery. The leadership team collaborates with various departments to ensure that necessary funds are allocated for projects that can lead to measurable improvements in patient outcomes.

Strategic threads carefully interweave in the pursuit of excellence within a healthcare organization to create a tapestry of enhanced patient care and operational effectiveness. Interdisciplinary collaboration forms a cornerstone where nurses work seamlessly with colleagues across departments, leveraging diverse expertise to enhance patient outcomes (Pomare et al., 2020). This collaborative synergy bolsters problem-solving capabilities and fosters an environment where fresh ideas flourish, leading to innovative approaches that uplift the quality of care.

Embedded within this fabric of collaboration is a commitment to data-driven decision-making. According to Pomare et al. (2020), nurses are equipped with insights that show options for development by utilizing the power of technology and analytics. This approach transforms raw data into actionable intelligence, enabling informed clinical judgments and process enhancements.

Moreover, the organization’s investment in continuous professional development for nursing staff enriches this strategic landscape. Through ongoing education, training workshops, and skill refinement, nurses remain equipped with the latest tools and knowledge, ensuring their ability to provide cutting-edge, evidence-based care to patients. This commitment to professional growth enhances individual competencies and fuels a collective culture of advancement and innovation.

References

Fawaz, M., Anshasi, H., & Samaha, A. (2020). Nurses at the front line of COVID-19: Roles, responsibilities, risks, and rights. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 103(4), 1341. https://doi.org/10.4269%2Fajtmh.20-0650

Pomare, C., Long, J. C., Churruca, K., Ellis, L. A., & Braithwaite, J. (2020). Interprofessional collaboration in hospitals: A critical, broad-based review of the literature. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 34(4), 509-519. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2019.1702515