Western Governor’s University
RTT Task 1 Nursing-sensitive indicators can be an important tool in identifying patient care issues that could potentially arise during a hospital stay. By analyzing the data on specific nursing-sensitive indicators, the quality of patient care can be optimized and patient satisfaction can be improved. The American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) are two sources of information and guidelines for nurses and nurse managers to use in planning patient care and workloads for each nursing unit. The use of available resources, staffing by acuity and patient needs, appropriate referral indicators, and cooperation among colleagues are all necessary components in providing ethical, safe, and patient-centered care in the hospital setting. Care of the patient should always center on the individual needs, wishes and cultural practices, within the framework of evidence-based patient care interventions.
Nursing Sensitive indicators “Nurses use theoretical and evidence-based knowledge of human experiences and responses to collaborate with healthcare consumers to assess, diagnose, identify outcomes, plan, implement, and evaluate care. Nursing interventions are intended to produce beneficial effects, contribute to quality outcomes, and above all, do no harm.” (American Nurses Association, 2010) There are several nursing sensitive indicators that were either ignored or overruled in the case of Mr. J. Falls risk, dementia diagnosis, pain medications, immobility and cultural or religious values are all indicators that special steps must be taken in the care of this patient to avoid further harm and achieve quality patient care. Mild dementia can create problems in some patients with their ability to reason, make sound judgment, and respond appropriately to requests and interventions. The simple fact that he fell, has mild dementia, and is
Bibliography: 2012 Joint Commission Patient Safety Goals. (n.d.). Retrieved January 2014, from Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center: www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/about/2012PatientSafetyGoals.pdf American Nurses Association. (2010). Scope and Standards of Practice. Nursing: 2nd Edition. American Nurses Association, Inc. (2014). Nursing Sensitive Indicators. Retrieved January 2014, from American Nurses Association, Nursing World: http://www.nursingworld.org Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2010). Contemporary Nursing: Issues, Trends & Management. (5th). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier. Retrieved from http://evolvels.elsevier.com/section/default.asp?id=1323_vabdurrahman4_0001&mode= Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2014). IHI Open School Online. Retrieved January 2014, from Institute for Healthcare Improvement: http://app.ihi.org/lms/onlinelearning.aspx Montalvo, I. (2007). National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators. National Committee on Vital Health and Statistics Quality Workgroup. Washington, DC: American Nurses Association.