Core Competencies
Standards of Practice
Standard 1. Assessment
This standard states that nurse administrators collect data that is relevant to a situation, specific issue or trend. Ongoing data collection is used to improve processes and ensure quality outcomes. Results of data collection is used to identify areas for improvement. For example, reassessment of pain following administration of pain medication. Also assessing patient learning needs. A current key initiative at our organization is the presurgical safety checklist. Please refer to the first document in the Artifacts section to view our Safety Checklist Audit Tool.
Standard 2. Identifies issues, problems, or trends
This standard states that the nurse administrator analyzes assessment data to identify issues, problems or trends. Through our unit based leadership committee we are able to identify areas for improvement within our work setting. I share safety, productivity, and budgetary information with staff to engage the team in developing plans for improvement. A system initiative put in place during the past year includes a process to identify and assess patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea. The second document in the Artifacts section shows a screen shot of the STOP tool used during preprocedure phone calls to patients prior to surgery.
Standard 3. Outcomes identification
This standard states that the nurse administrator identifies outcomes for a plan that is individualized to a particular situation. In my current work setting we have specific safety measures and outcomes that we must meet. I actively round in the operating rooms to ensure all members of the surgical team are performing a time out prior to incision.
Standard 4. Planning
The nurse administrator develops a plan that prescribes strategies and alternatives to attain expected outcomes. In my role as a nurse manager I plan staffing, operational supplies, and capital needs for my departments. In order to meet the needs of our patients and surgeons we developed a business plan to support ophthalmology surgery at Spectrum Health. The group of ophthalmology surgeons was shrinking due to lack of skilled staff, adequate surgical equipment, and increased call time. Patients we often traveling to the East side of the state for specialized ophthalmology care. The third document in the Artifacts section shows the business plan that was developed and successfully executed.
American Nurses Association (2009). Nursing administration: scope and standards of practice.
Silver Spring, Maryland: Nursebooks.org.
This standard states that nurse administrators collect data that is relevant to a situation, specific issue or trend. Ongoing data collection is used to improve processes and ensure quality outcomes. Results of data collection is used to identify areas for improvement. For example, reassessment of pain following administration of pain medication. Also assessing patient learning needs. A current key initiative at our organization is the presurgical safety checklist. Please refer to the first document in the Artifacts section to view our Safety Checklist Audit Tool.
Standard 2. Identifies issues, problems, or trends
This standard states that the nurse administrator analyzes assessment data to identify issues, problems or trends. Through our unit based leadership committee we are able to identify areas for improvement within our work setting. I share safety, productivity, and budgetary information with staff to engage the team in developing plans for improvement. A system initiative put in place during the past year includes a process to identify and assess patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea. The second document in the Artifacts section shows a screen shot of the STOP tool used during preprocedure phone calls to patients prior to surgery.
Standard 3. Outcomes identification
This standard states that the nurse administrator identifies outcomes for a plan that is individualized to a particular situation. In my current work setting we have specific safety measures and outcomes that we must meet. I actively round in the operating rooms to ensure all members of the surgical team are performing a time out prior to incision.
Standard 4. Planning
The nurse administrator develops a plan that prescribes strategies and alternatives to attain expected outcomes. In my role as a nurse manager I plan staffing, operational supplies, and capital needs for my departments. In order to meet the needs of our patients and surgeons we developed a business plan to support ophthalmology surgery at Spectrum Health. The group of ophthalmology surgeons was shrinking due to lack of skilled staff, adequate surgical equipment, and increased call time. Patients we often traveling to the East side of the state for specialized ophthalmology care. The third document in the Artifacts section shows the business plan that was developed and successfully executed.
American Nurses Association (2009). Nursing administration: scope and standards of practice.
Silver Spring, Maryland: Nursebooks.org.