Nursing is a diverse and dynamic profession that offers a wide range of specializations for individuals looking to advance their careers.
Despite the immense challenges faced by health and care workers in the Covid-19 pandemic, enrollment in nursing programs grew by more than 3.3% in 2021, according to a report by Businesswire, showing the resilience and respect this profession commands.
To be effective in your role, it’s important to not only have the necessary knowledge and skills but also to follow best practices in your daily work. Here are 5 best practices that every nurse should follow:
The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and nurses need to be prepared to adapt and learn new techniques and technologies. This means staying up-to-date on the latest research and guidelines, participating in continuing education and professional development opportunities, and being open to feedback and constructive criticism.
A Family Nurse Practitioner or FNP is a highly skilled and in-demand healthcare professional who can provide a wide range of medical services to patients of all ages. 70% of nurses in the USA are family nurses, as per AANP data.
FNPs are also in high demand due to the increasing shortage of primary care physicians. The earning potential for FNPs is generally higher than that of traditional nurses. If this sounds exciting, browse reliable online resources to learn more about a post masters FNP program.
Being an FNP allows for greater autonomy and independence, as well as the ability to develop long-term relationships with patients. This can be a very rewarding experience for a young nurse who wants to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Nurses can prioritize patient safety by following evidence-based practices and guidelines for care. There is also a need to perform regular monitoring and assess patients for potential risks or complications.
Communicating effectively with other members of the healthcare team to ensure continuity of care and updating oneself with current safety standards and regulations is something nurses do as a best practice.
In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is also a pressing need to maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, families, and staff by following infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infection.
Clear, concise, and timely communication is essential for good patient care. Nurses should communicate effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare team members, including physicians, pharmacists, and other nurses.
This includes not only verbal communication but also documentation, which should be accurate, complete, and legible. This is extremely critical for those nurses dealing with children. Only 2% of nursing practitioners opt for pediatric specialization, given the challenging nature of work, as per data shared by the AANP or the American Association of Nursing Practitioners.
Nurses are held to a high standard of professionalism, and it’s important to maintain this at all times. This means being punctual, dressed appropriately, and providing respectful and compassionate care.
The AACN, or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, represents more than 850 schools and 565,000 students and maintains strict standards and codes of conduct applicable to all these schools and their students. It also means adhering to ethical standards, such as maintaining patient confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Nurses often work long hours and deal with high levels of stress, which can take a toll on their physical and mental well-being. To prevent burnout, nurses should make sure to take care of themselves, both physically and mentally.
This means getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in regular exercise. It also means being aware of their own emotions and seeking help if they need it.
If you need to take time off or seek therapy for your mental well-being, please ensure you do the same. As this job involves a lot of pressure and you need to stay calm under duress, your mental stability is key to ensuring lives are safe.
As a nurse, you play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing care and support to patients at their most vulnerable moments. By following these best practices, you can ensure that you are providing the highest quality of care to your patients and that you are maintaining a high level of professionalism and excellence in your work.
Remember to prioritize patient safety, practice effective communication, maintain a high level of professionalism, be a lifelong learner, and practice self-care. By following these best practices, you will be well-equipped to meet the challenges of your role as a nurse and provide the best possible care to your patients.
