Introduction
Improving service delivery in healthcare is the core objective of nursing. In this regard, delivery of quality services is expected in terms of nursing processes, informatics, adequate facilities and general improvement of the healthcare system. An effective healthcare system reduces risks for both patients and nurses. Modern nursing advancements promote evidence-based practices that are patient-oriented (Sullivan, 2009).
The importance of collaboration among the nurses and colleagues is critical in establishing an effective healthcare system. Through collaboration, colleagues form a teamwork that ensures open and effective communication. Collaboration is vital in creating a favorable working environment that fosters mutual respect and shared responsibility (Sullivan, 2009).
QSEN competencies
Patient and family-centered care
As an effective nurse colleague and collaborator, the competency is critical in acquiring knowledge on multiple dimensions of patient-centered care preferences and values. Additional knowledge from the competency includes barriers, health literacy, ethical and legal implications, and limits of patient-centered care.
The competency is effective in acquiring skills related to healthcare planning, especially in the clinical review, diagnosis and research. From the competency, a change of attitude is realized as the nurse and colleagues commit to teamwork. Positive attitudes on respect for the patient, value diversity, legal and ethical issues are acquired from the competency.
Evidence-based practice
Knowledge aspects derived from this competency include effective health research methods and processes. The nurse garners knowledge from research and clinical expertise, as well as patient values (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). Besides the ability to determine the gap in a practice specialty, the nurse learns to analyze the strength of available research resources.
Important skills acquired from the competency include the ability to generate new knowledge (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). In addition, a nurse acquires skills to make decisions based on evidence, clinical ad patient preferences. In addition, the nurse uses quality improvement methods and builds consensus among healthcare stakeholders. Additional skills acquired include the ability to use coaching skills and design evidence-based organizational systems.
In addition, the nurse uses evidence-based competency to develop positive attitudes that appreciate the values of scientific practices. For example, the nurse appreciates the value of contemporary knowledge, teamwork and organizational changes.
Teamwork and collaboration
The competency is vital in establishing knowledge on strengths, limitations and values of collaborated efforts (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). For a nurse to be an effective collaborator, it is important to understand individual and group responsibilities. The ability to understand the impact of the team-based practice is part of knowledge acquisition.
Critical skills developed from this competency include personal strengths and limitations as a team member. In addition, competency is essential in developing skills in communication, consistency, leadership, integrity and respect for diverse cultures, values, and opinions.
Teamwork and Collaboration competency is vital in developing a positive attitude towards respect for the patients and colleagues. The attitude towards self-contribution in the team must be positive. Positive attitudes developed from the competency include the contribution from other members, conflict resolution, inter-professional partnership, communication styles and state policies.
Conclusion
A competent nurse must appreciate the QSEN’s competencies. In this regard, the competencies are integral in acquiring knowledge that improves healthcare service delivery (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). In addition, QSEN plays a critical role in ensuring nurses develop skills that address issues of quality and safety in health service. Consequently, the competency of nurses is realized through positive attitudes regarding patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and teamwork.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2012). Graduate-level QSEN competencies: Knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Washington, DC: American association of Colleges of Nursing.
Sullivan, D. T., Hirst, D., & Cronenwett, L. (2009). Assessing quality and safety competencies of graduating prelicensure nursing students. Nursing outlook, 57(6), 323-331.