User:Nkhudgens/sandbox

Patient-Centered Care (PO #1)

Graduate will provide safe, patient-centered care in a variety of settings.

In order to provide patient-centered care I performed an assessment and participated in a discussion that provided a detailed patient health assessment. This assignment allowed me to display my mastery of assessment skills and tailor my patient teaching to a young diabetic male. I also created a powerpoint presentation that discussed the findings of my health assessment. A formal paper assignment was submitted that detailed the findings of my health assessment as well as a video presentation. Information learned during my health assessment course enabled me to not only improve my assessment skills but improved my cultural awareness and delivery of age appropriate care.

Leadership (PO #2)

Graduates will function as a leader within the nursing roles provider of care,manager of care, and member of the profession.

By initiating a presentation at my current nursing unit, I was able to display leadership through learning initiatives and empowering others with knowledge. Additionally, I now encourage my other associates to pursue and value the importance of higher education in this frequently changing healthcare world. Through my studies at Columbus State University, I now have the confidence to perform more in depth and frequent patient,family, and peer education. I seek new learning opportunities and welcome the chance to grow and teach others. I have found research that indicates that a more educated nurse at the bedside may reduce extended length of hospital stay as well as improve the patient's overall health outcome. Based on this evidenced based practice, I feel that my pursuit of my BSN has exemplified me to be a great leader within the nursing community,

Safety (PO #3)

Graduates will apply concepts of safe practice to ensure optimal patient clinical outcomes.

While many of us are comfortable in our preferred patient care settings, occasionally disaster may occur. I was able to create a case study that reviewed a natural disaster. I also created a disaster plan that outlined details of how to safely function under conditions that are less than optimal. By creating a disaster plan I was able to establish an action plan for the clinic that I volunteered to enact in the event of the unexpected. I recognized that in order to appropriately care for patients, a plan for safety must be in place well in advance of a disaster. Regardless of the circumstance, safe practices must be maintained and the safety of the patient is of utmost importance to allow the best chance of a positive clinical outcome. I participated in a discussion for which I discussed the safety risk associated with falls and the elderly.

Evidence Based Practice (PO #4)

Graduates will use sound evidence to make appropriate clinical decisions about health care.

In my senior nursing class, I decided to do my senior project on the ABCDE Bundle implementation in the the critical care setting. I participated in a discussion that outlined articles that were supported by evidence based practices and showed a trend of improved patient outcomes.

Another major initiative that I discussed was that of early identification of stroke symptoms. I discussed the important of acting F.A.S.T. in the presence of a suspected stroke. Evidenced based practice supports the importance of early intervention in regards to positive patient outcomes.In my discussion, I focused specifically on the difference of clinical presentation in females regarding symptoms.

Informatics (PO #5)

Graduates will integrate informatics into nursing practice in a variety of settings.

During discussions, I was able to identify the crucial role that informatics will play due to recent healthcare reform. The use of nursing informatics allows for information to be maintained electronically as well as learning resources to be accessed and shared quickly.Discussion questions contributed to analyzing the needs for not only incorporating alternative means of access to healthcare but also the need for tele-health and the use of informatics in order to quickly provide better patient care. I identified the exceptional additional needs of the elderly and how using tele-health or remote healthcare centers can provide better access to those that are fragile and potentially have higher health risks. Additionally, phone triage and call centers can provide valuable resources to patients that may not readily have easy access to healthcare centers. Tele-health establishments may give advice regarding preventative versus urgent care.

Quality Improvement (PO #6)

Graduates will apply the quality improvement process to ensure patient safety and to meet desired clinical outcomes.

For my senior project I decided to focus on the prevention of delirium and weakness in the Intensive Care Unit. Studies showed that over all patient outcomes improved if an ABCDE bundle was implemented. Several evidence practice studies supported the previously mentioned information yet I found in my nursing unit that routine wake up assessments and breathing trials were not consistently performed. I did an inservice to my unit employees as to encourage the process and encourage patient safety and better overall outcomes. Studies showed that patients who had the bundle applied properly were less like to gain injuries through accidental airway removal. Since my unit presentation, I have noted past my presentation that there is a greater understanding and proper use of the "wake up and breathe" initiative.

I was encouraged to volunteer during my course that focused on the community. For several months I served in triage at a local clinic in an undeserved community. I found this experience to be extremely rewarding. Not only did the experience afford me the honor of leadership, but also allowed me to seek many opportunities for quality improvement. When surveying my former neighborhood, I found that there was a severe lack of easy/local accessibility to healthcare (although the population was at a record growth). I was recently delighted to find that there is now active construction of a new hospital in that area. My windshield survey of the medically underserved area encouraged me to apply to the new hospital upon completion as a way to continue to actively serve my communitiy. Conducting a windshield survey allowed me to analyze the needs within the community and identify ways to improve the quality of care in that area. I learned that once a need/deficit is recognized, it is the first step to beginning quality improvement.

Teamwork and Collaboration (PO #7)

Graduates will communicate and collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary health care team in a professional and effective manner, through verbal, non-verbal, written and electronic means to improve patient outcomes and teamwork.

When reviewing my other classmates submissions for their senior projects, I not only acquired new information but was able to use electronic methods in order to view/receive information. Online discussions allowed for positive interactions, constructive feedback, and professional communication. The knowledge acquired by reviewing other students information may be implemented in the patient care setting and hence potentially improve patient outcomes. Post presentation discussions aided in self evaluation. I encouraged feedback from my coworkers and classmates in order to confirm new knowledge acquisition.As part of the ABCDE Bundle implementation, one of the key principles is the coordination and collaboration of care of all members involved in the healthcare settings.