The rapid growth in technology, science, and information has confronted professions especially nursing, to enhance their work processes and guarantee high-quality care provided to the patients. Advanced health care technologies have led to an increase in healthcare costs and the populations’ expectations regarding the services offered. The healthcare system has embraced the assessment of patient safety as a critical strategy in obtaining set perceptions that relate to the quality of care received, hence providing information beneficial to the organization. Nursing professionals are aware of their responsibilities in quality care provision, the organization, laws, and professional standards, and how their performance contributes to caring valuation and patient satisfaction.
Nursing Care Plan
A nursing care plan is a written manifestation of the nursing process. It unites different types of nurses working in varied areas. The care plan includes assessment, diagnosis, outcomes and planning, implementation, and evaluation. Care plans are vital in teaching nursing students on holistic patient care, and critical thinking needed to achieve desired results through the nursing process. A formal nursing care plan is a beneficial tool for effective communication in nursing. Successfully implementing care plans benefits hospitals in ways such as:
Continuity of care – ensures that nurses have the same patient data, share observations, and collaborate towards similar patient care goals.
Inter-professional collaboration – all care providers need to understand the patient’s health issues, progress, and goals. A nursing care plan combines all the information in one place, providing clear procedures to the desired results.
Engaging patients – setting goals with and for patients helps in guiding and measuring nursing
care. These goals encourage patients to be more involved in their recovery process. Nursing Responsibilities
There are various nursing specialties working to deliver quality patient care. Registered nurses who work with patients before, during, and after undergoing surgery are referred to as perioperative nurses. Pre-op nurses help with preparation of the operating room and patients before surgery. Their job duties include:
- Ensure that patients have completed lab tests before surgery
- Review patient’s medical history
- Communicate with patients and their family about the procedures and risk involved ● Ensure that all paperwork has been signed
- Assess patient’s physical condition before surgery
Intra-op nurses are present in the operating room during surgery. They are classified into three types:
- Scrub nurses hand the surgeon necessary tools and supplies. They ensure all operating equipment is well placed and aligned. In case of system failure such as C-Arm charger fail errors, they are tasked with finding C-Arm rentals for emergency delivery before contacting maintenance or repair professionals.
- Circulating nurses monitor the overall environment and ensure a safe and sterile area. ● Registered nurses actively help with surgeries by assisting the surgeon in suturing wounds and controlling bleeding.
Post-anesthesia care nurses offer patient care during the first hours after a successful surgery. They assist patients during recovery and other duties like;
- Monitor patients as they come out of anesthesia and watch for signs of excessive bleeding or infection
- Offer pain management and help patients to stay comfortable
- Communicate with patients and families on the effects of the surgery and steps for post-op care.
Utilizing the nursing process to guide patient care is clinically significant in the current dynamic and complex world of patient care. The nursing process unites different types of nurses working in varied areas and assists in delivering holistic, patient-focused care.
