Quality Safety and Education for Nurses

Quality Safety and Education for Nurses

The QSEN initiative (Quality and Safety Education for Nurses) was established to answer the medical institute’s trio of reports that stress the importance of enhancing safety and quality of healthcare in America. The initiative has six competencies that include evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and safety. In addition, the program has innovative curricular guides to better prepare caregivers to improve their working environment (Cronenwett et al., 2014).

Evidence-based practice integrates patient/ family’s preferences and clinical expertise with the best current evidence to ensure optimal healthcare delivery. In my profession, I strive to differentiate my clinical opinion from evidence summaries and research work because I understand the potential presence of flaws. Besides, I consult reliable sources to locate clinical practice guidelines and reports. However, I consult widely with clinical experts before making a decision to deviate from evidence-based protocols.

Patient-centered care, on the other hand, entails recognition of patient as a full partner and a source of control to provide coordinated and compassionate care based on respect for patient’s needs, values, and preferences. I understand that the healing process involves consulting with the patient or family members to determine the factors that contribute to their condition. In this way, I can accord the best care for a quick recovery, hence the attainment of medicine’s core objective. Furthermore, I communicate patient’s preferences and values to physicians and other members of healthcare team (Arnold & Boggs, 2015).

Patient safety is at the heart of nursing and healthcare practice throughout medicine’s history (Durham & Alden, 2011). However, throughout the world, there are instances of non-deliberate harm that occurs to patients seeking care. Unfavorable incidences such as these happen at healthcare levels such as managerial, preventive, private or general healthcare. The harm to patients and healthcare providers can be minimized or eliminated through individual professional performance or system effectiveness. In a local healthcare facility, I have encountered the benefits of safety-enhancing technology integrated into the system. For instance, use of automatic harm provides early warning in case of fire, hence people can be evacuated safely.

References

Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2015). Interpersonal Relationships: Professional Communication Skills for Nurses. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Cronenwett, L., Sherwood, G., Barnsteiner, J., Disch, J., Johnson, J., Mitchell, P. & Warren, J. (2014). Quality And Safety Education For Nurses. Nursing Outlook. 122-131.

Durham, C. F., & Alden, K. R. (2011). Enhancing Patient Safety in Nursing Education through Patient Simulation.