Nurses play an integral role in improving the quality of healthcare and patient satisfaction in the healthcare industry. Considering the time they spend with patients, many organizations look for nurses that are well-trained and efficient in improving treatment outcomes.
The difference between a novice nurse and a professional nurse is defined by their knowledge, experience, and ability to identify a patient’s condition. The more qualified they are, the better they will be at collaborating with patients and developing effective healthcare strategies.
Whether you are just starting on your nursing career or an experienced nurse wanting to enhance your skills, learning top-quality patient care is always a worthwhile endeavor. Find out how to ensure the best patient care during your nursing career in this article.
1. Advance your clinical practices
In any field, the highest degree signifies gaining the finest set of skills there is in the field. Needless to say, to ensure top level care, you need to have the highest level of degree there is in nursing, and that is a doctorate in nursing.
While there are two types of doctorate degrees: Ph.D. and DNP, the choice completely depends on career goals. PhD focuses on research and scientific findings in nursing. Whereas, DNP focuses on advanced clinical skills needed when managing or leading a clinic.
No matter at what stage you are, if your pressing concern at the moment is how can you get a doctorate in nursing? Here’s the brief. A doctorate degree requires four years of bachelor’s education nursing, plus one or two years of MSN program. From then, you can decide to enroll in either NP, DNP, or PhD. Overall, it will take you six years or so to reach the highest degree level in nursing. From evidence-based learning and primary healthcare to advanced health informatics, a doctorate in nursing will prepare you to excel in the field.
Today, the advancement of healthcare systems has made it harder for nurses to stay current with the latest procedures. To stay on top of changing healthcare practices, continuous education is necessary. Nurses can either enroll in professional development programs or take advantage of on-the-job training to practice and enhance these new skills. They can also seek support from a mentor or clinical faculty member as necessary. Look for the best travel nurse agency, as it can help you find the right resources for advancing your career.
2. Use time management tools to improve workflow
A nurse working in a hospital has to manage many different things at once, which often makes it challenging for them to keep track of their work. Time management tools allow them to prioritize tasks, set reminders, delegate work, and meet deadlines to maintain a higher level of quality.
Typically, these tools feature an alarm system that reminds them of tasks throughout the day. Additionally, they can monitor the time spent on each activity and accomplish more in less time. As a result, the nurse will provide better patient care without being hampered.
3. Improve communication skills to deal with patients effectively
The importance of communication in nursing cannot be overstated. Providing high-quality care requires nurses to create an environment in which patients feel comfortable enough to share their feelings.
Often, patients are not satisfied with the manner in which they are being attended to, and they are hesitant to express clearly what their problems are, resulting in a lower level of care. A nurse with good communication skills can empathize with the patient and reduce the level of discomfort they feel. It will also develop trust between them, and patients will be more likely to be open and honest about their health concerns.
4. Use Electronic Health Record System (EHR) to automate the process
More than 94% of healthcare organizations in the U.S. use electronic health records (EHR) systems to store and access patient information. Since EHR improves the efficiency of care delivery, the hospital needs staff members who are specifically trained on how to maintain their EHR system. With the skillset combined with EHR, you can have a better understanding of the patient’s condition.
Some of the basic features of an EHR system are:
1. Allows quick reference to a patient’s record when needed
2. Simplifies documentation by reducing the amount of paperwork required
3. Provides an accurate diagnosis when a nurse is not sure what it might be
Since you’re required to brush up your knowledge on using an EHR, there are several options available. You can attend training sessions at the hospital or have a facilitator teach you how to work with the EHR. You can also enroll in a self-paced video course and complete it at your own pace. Make sure you have learned the information well by self-assessing yourself and taking a test or quiz at the end of the course.
Besides, nursing education is moving away from the traditional lecture-based model. More nursing schools are incorporating hands-on training and simulation into their programs. Compared to the traditional medical school model, innovative ways of educating nurses, like simulations and clinical, are showing promising results.
Maintain a safe environment for the patients
It is the nurse’s utmost responsibility to maintain a safe environment for the patients they care for. Since falls are the biggest threat and can be life-threatening, a nurse must take preventative measures to minimize their risk.
These following these suggestions will help a nurse maintain the safety of patients:
– Beds should be placed in a low position so that patients will not have to struggle to get up from them.
– Make sure the patient has access to necessary items such as drinking water, a call button, a hearing aid, etc.
– The flooring should not be slippery. In addition, provide slip-resistant footwear for use in the unit and the bathroom.
– Nurses should also maintain safety items like wheelchairs, walkers, and toileting aids that patients with mobility issues or disabilities use.
– During the first two hours following surgery, anesthesia patients require extra supervision. They should be monitored closely during this time.
– Ensure hourly rounds to assess patients’ pain levels and need for additional services.
Conclusion
To provide quality care to all patients, nurses must be well-trained. It is important for nurses to stay updated on changes in technology and research related to their field. Additionally, they should read journals and attend conferences or workshops to learn about new developments in their field. For decades to come, high-quality nurses will continue to be in high demand across these settings.