foundations

Critical thinking

Making decisions using both experience and evidence-based practice guidelines.

Nursing process

Used to guide nurses in delivering holistic, client-centered care that takes into consideration the entire person.

Clinical judgement

The observed outcome of critical thinking and decision making.

Critical judgement and clinical reasoning

Can never be delegated to an AP, the licensed nurse should remember that APS fill a supportive role and should delegate only tasks that do not include this.

Evaluation

Determines the effectiveness of the interventions provided, and document’s the clients response.

The five steps of the nursing process

Assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Analysis

The client’s assessment data is used to identify the client’s problem.

Planning

Developing clear client-centered, time-oriented goals.

Implementation

A client-centered step that involves using nursing interventions to provide care for clients to help meet the identified goals.

Assessment

The nurse collects, organizes, and validates data in this step of the nursing process.

Delegation

Assigning a nursing activity or procedure to another person who has the training appropriate for that activity or procedure.

Teamwork, resources, education/support from other staff

Factors that influence RN decision making in the acute care setting.

Tasks that can’t be delegated to an AP

Wound care for a new wound, assessment of the respiratory system, administering eye drops.

Delegation should follow the principles outlined by the NCSBN.

Priority setting

A skill used to determine which needs to address first for an individual client as well as when caring for a group of clients and identifying which client to care for first.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Identifies five categories of human needs that, when unmet, motivate clients to take action to meet those needs.

Physiological needs

Comprise the essential physical needs required for survival.

Self esteem needs

The desire to feel good about oneself and having the respect of others.

Safety and security

Security of the environment, personal security, employment security, health, and property.

ABCDE

Airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure.

Lack of using a systematic approach could lead to the client experiencing a less than optimal outcome, including admission to the critical care unit or even death.

Airway obstruction

Can be caused by a variety of factors, including depression of the central nervous system, blockages created by blood or vomit, edema and inflammation of the upper airway, facial trauma.

Teamwork

Care coordination can lead to better client outcomes and improve the quality and effectiveness of health care overall.

Time management

The process of planning the time available in accordance with goals to achieve.

Management strategies for nurses

Plan your day, make lists, prioritize and focus on what’s important.

SBAR

This tool can help nurses organize their thoughts and activities in a factual manner, ensures information is not missed.

Effective client care, good communication, and positive outcomes

The use of interprofessional collaboration and continuity of care can help all health care providers achieve.