Introduction
It is clear that the BSN-educated nurse must have a firm grasp of various policies, advocacy initiatives, and core nursing skills to succeed. A few examples include patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, multidisciplinary teams, informatics, and health policy. These skills and knowledge will equip nurses to provide patients with the best possible care while the healthcare system evolves rapidly. Thinking back on the course readings, it is clear that the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program lays a solid foundation for learning these skills. The program’s curriculum covers various subjects, from nursing philosophy and ethics to informatics and healthcare policy. Through these classes, I have gained a more thorough comprehension of the nursing field and the healthcare system.
The Significance of Evidence-Based Practice
The significance of evidence-based practice (EBP) in enhancing patient outcomes has been highlighted throughout the course. The program prepared me to evaluate research findings critically and use that evaluation in my nursing practice. EBP is a methodical approach to answering clinical concerns by systematically locating relevant research, analyzing it critically, and incorporating the findings into daily practice (Claywell, 2022). Nurses with a BSN degree are taught EBP skills such as critical analysis of research papers, evidence quality assessment, and implementing research findings into clinical practice. They also get experience in effectively relaying this information to other healthcare team members, as well as patients and their loved ones.
BSN-level nurses have a huge opportunity to benefit from EBP in pursuing better patient outcomes. Nurses may enhance patient outcomes by minimizing the occurrence of negative events, increasing patient satisfaction, and decreasing healthcare expenditures when they use the best available evidence to guide clinical decision-making (AACN, 2021). Patient outcomes and healthcare costs may both benefit from EBP strategies that aim to minimize the prevalence of preventable complications like hospital-acquired infections.
The Significance of Teamwork and Multidisciplinary Approaches
The significance of teamwork and multidisciplinary approaches in healthcare has also been emphasized throughout the course. I can provide my patients with better treatment due to my collaboration with other medical personnel, including doctors and social workers. Most notably, this may be achieved through learning the importance of hierarchy and systemic thinking in the medical field. The nurse might benefit from better contact with the patient and their family and find solutions to any problems that may develop with the help of these two strategies.
The term chain of command describes the organizational structure that specifies the responsibilities of various managers and employees at various levels. This implies that nurses report to nurse managers, who report to nurse directors, and so on at a healthcare facility (Claywell, 2022). A streamlined chain of command allows nurses to interact more easily with their superiors and coworkers, promoting team cohesiveness and achieving shared objectives (Claywell, 2022). Facilitating open communication channels, establishing responsibility, and encouraging a spirit of cooperation may enhance collaboration.
However, systems thinking includes taking a step back to see the big picture and learn how the parts of a system function together to accomplish anything. It is important to acknowledge the interconnected nature of various fields in healthcare, from nursing to medicine to physical therapy and beyond, while providing treatment to patients (AACN, 2021). Nurses better coordinate their patient’s care with the help of other medical experts when they adopt systems thinking mindset (AACN, 2021). One may need clarification or efficiency in communication or procedure and then strive to fix them.
The Significance of Cultural Competency and Patient-Centered Treatment
The significance of cultural competency and patient-centered treatment has been highlighted throughout the course. As a nurse, one must recognize and appreciate that each client has specific requirements and beliefs. So that prejudices may be recognized and eliminated, continuous learning and introspection are needed. Both approaches prioritize tailoring medical treatment to each patient’s specific need. The term patient-centered care refers to a medical practice that puts the individual patient’s requirements and desires first (AACN, 2021). Individualized care is achieved through learning about the patient’s priorities, values, and beliefs to craft a treatment strategy tailored to the individual’s needs (AACN, 2021). Graduates of nursing programs leading to a BSN degree learn to provide care focused on the patient. It is done by developing their communication skills, listening to patients actively, and encouraging patients to participate in healthcare decision-making. Care focused on the individual patient has been found to improve health outcomes, boost patient happiness, and cut healthcare spending.
Having cultural competency means identifying with and effectively addressing the concerns of people of different cultural origins. The multicultural makeup of today’s patient population makes this an especially pressing issue in healthcare. As part of their education for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, students study other cultures and how they affect healthcare practices. They study methods of communicating with patients that are sensitive to the patient’s cultural norms and values. All patients, regardless of their cultural background, deserve the same high-quality treatment, which can only be achieved with cultural competency.
Improved patient outcomes, higher levels of patient satisfaction, and lower healthcare costs are achieved by nurses with a BSN degree who prioritize patient-centered care and cultural competency. These ideas are crucial for the nurse and patient to form a strong therapeutic bond. A nurse’s ability to deliver respectful, sensitive, and effective care hinges on their ability to recognize and respond to each patient’s individual needs and values (AACN, 2021). Finally, delivering high-quality, equitable healthcare depends on the BSN-prepared nurse’s ability to provide patient-centered care and cultural competency in the practice setting. Furthermore, I evaluated the ethical requirements placed on nurses by groups like the American Nurses Association (ANA).
The Significance of Treating Patients with Dignity, Compassion, and Accountability
The textbook discusses the ANA Code of Ethics, which stresses the significance of treating patients with dignity, compassion, and accountability. It goes hand in hand with the ethical duties that nurses have to their patients, their coworkers, and the nursing community (Claywell, 2022). Key tenets of the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses include patient advocacy; confidentiality; dedication to continuing education; teamwork; respect for diversity; and ethical decision-making (Claywell, 2022). It is expected of nurses that they would keep their patients’ personal information private and secure. This implies that, unless required by law or approved by the patient, nurses should only share information about their patients with people directly engaged in their care.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that nurses will participate in continual professional development to keep up with the constant changes in their sector. These activities involve looking for chances to work with other professionals and share what one has learned. It is the responsibility of nurses to behave ethically in all situations. It follows that nurses should consider how their actions and choices may affect others morally and consult the ANA Code of Ethics and other ethical frameworks as appropriate. These ramifications have a direct bearing on the actions of nurses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the BS Essentials give a thorough plan for learning the skills a BSN-educated nurse should have. Courses in the program helped me develop a solid grounding in nursing theory, research, and practice. BSN-educated nurses contribute significantly to better patient outcomes, higher levels of patient satisfaction, and lower healthcare costs if they fully grasp and act on the ethical commitments and competencies outlined here. As a result, I am confident in delivering excellent nursing care despite the many hurdles I may face.
References
Claywell, L. (2022). LPN to RN Transitions (5th ed.). Elsevier.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2021). The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. AACN.