Opal Caldwell BSN, RN

Being able to collaborate effectively with members of the healthcare team is essential for improving patient care. Collaboration ensures that patient care is continuous and reliable (“AACN”, 2011). As an Advanced Practice Nurse, it is our job to collaborate with consults to effectively manage patients care. Being a team player is essential in this competency. According to the American Associations of Colleges of Nursing, "inter-professional collaboration is critical in achieving clinical prevention and health promotion goals in order to improve patient and population health outcomes" (2011, p.22). Making sure patients make positive life style changes is essential to improvement of health. Working with other members of the healthcare team can aid in implementing these changes.

 

Advocating for the role of the professional nurse is another aspect of meeting this essential. Writing letters to policy makers and stressing your views and values as a leader in your profession is essential. Another aspect of this essential is effective communication. Being culturally diverse is part of patient centered care. We are caring for different cultures of population daily and knowing how to effectively communicate and care for them is critical in meeting this essential.