CLINICAL NURSING SKILLS
Chapter 1 full guide
,
,CHAPTER 1
The Role of the Nurse in Comprehensive Care
CHAPTER OUTLINE
1.1 Principles of Nursing Practice
1.2 Evidence-Based Practice 1.3
Nursing Process
INTRODUCTION As aspiring nurses, you are about to embark on a journey that will showcase the multifaceted nature of nursing
practice. Comprehensive care is the cornerstone of nursing practice, encompassing a holistic approach that considers not only
the physical aspects of patients but also their emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
By adhering to the principles of nursing practice, which include person-centered care, professional integrity, and lifelong
learning, nurses become advocates for their patients, ensuring that their needs and preferences are at the forefront of care. We
will also cover the importance of establishing therapeutic relationships, effective communication, and cultural competence as
essential components of comprehensive care.
1.1 Principles of Nursing Practice
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Define the goals of nursing practice
• Describe the primary ethical principles of nursing practice
• Identify how principles of clinical judgment are incorporated into nursing practice
As an aspiring nurse, it is important to understand the fundamental principles, goals, and ethics that guide the nursing
profession. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the goals of nursing practice, the primary ethical principles that
, underpin nursing care, and the way principles of clinical judgment are incorporated into your daily practice to inform and guide
your nursing care.
Nursing Definition and Goals
The most recent definition of nursing, according to the American Nurses Association (ANA) (2021), states “nursing integrates the
art and science of caring and focuses on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and human functioning;
prevention of illness and injury; facilitation of healing; and alleviation of suffering through compassionate presence. Nursing is
the diagnosis and treatment of human responses and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and
populations in recognition of the connection of all humanity.”
The goals of nursing have evolved over time in response to changes in society, healthcare systems, and the understanding of
healthcare needs. Historically, nursing was primarily focused on providing basic care, such as nutrition and comfort, during
times of illness or injury. As health care advanced, nursing goals expanded to encompass a broader scope of practice. Florence
Nightingale (Figure 1.2) is considered to be the founder of holistic nursing care, which emphasizes the healing of the whole
person, including mind, body, and soul (American Holistic Nurses Association, 2023).
FIGURE 1.2 Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) is considered the founder of holistic nursing. (credit: “Three Quarter length portrait of Florence
Nightingale” by Unknown/Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)
The twentieth century saw significant progress in nursing education, research, professionalization, and technology. Nurses
became actively involved in health promotion, disease prevention, and patient advocacy.
In recent decades, the goals of nursing have further evolved to emphasize evidence-based practice, patientcentered care, and
interdisciplinary collaboration. Nurses now play critical roles in care coordination, healthcare leadership, and policy
development. They actively engage in health promotion, disease management, and support for individuals and communities.
Nurses are the coordinators of care for patients and communities, and nursing goals continue to change and develop as society
progresses.
Role of the Nurse
The role of the professional nurse is multifaceted and dynamic. Nurses provide direct patient care, educate
1.1 • Principles of Nursing Practice
individuals and families, act as advocates, coordinate care, and provide leadership and change within the healthcare system.
They play a crucial role in promoting health, delivering holistic care, and improving patient outcomes.
Chapter 1 full guide
,
,CHAPTER 1
The Role of the Nurse in Comprehensive Care
CHAPTER OUTLINE
1.1 Principles of Nursing Practice
1.2 Evidence-Based Practice 1.3
Nursing Process
INTRODUCTION As aspiring nurses, you are about to embark on a journey that will showcase the multifaceted nature of nursing
practice. Comprehensive care is the cornerstone of nursing practice, encompassing a holistic approach that considers not only
the physical aspects of patients but also their emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
By adhering to the principles of nursing practice, which include person-centered care, professional integrity, and lifelong
learning, nurses become advocates for their patients, ensuring that their needs and preferences are at the forefront of care. We
will also cover the importance of establishing therapeutic relationships, effective communication, and cultural competence as
essential components of comprehensive care.
1.1 Principles of Nursing Practice
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Define the goals of nursing practice
• Describe the primary ethical principles of nursing practice
• Identify how principles of clinical judgment are incorporated into nursing practice
As an aspiring nurse, it is important to understand the fundamental principles, goals, and ethics that guide the nursing
profession. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the goals of nursing practice, the primary ethical principles that
, underpin nursing care, and the way principles of clinical judgment are incorporated into your daily practice to inform and guide
your nursing care.
Nursing Definition and Goals
The most recent definition of nursing, according to the American Nurses Association (ANA) (2021), states “nursing integrates the
art and science of caring and focuses on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and human functioning;
prevention of illness and injury; facilitation of healing; and alleviation of suffering through compassionate presence. Nursing is
the diagnosis and treatment of human responses and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and
populations in recognition of the connection of all humanity.”
The goals of nursing have evolved over time in response to changes in society, healthcare systems, and the understanding of
healthcare needs. Historically, nursing was primarily focused on providing basic care, such as nutrition and comfort, during
times of illness or injury. As health care advanced, nursing goals expanded to encompass a broader scope of practice. Florence
Nightingale (Figure 1.2) is considered to be the founder of holistic nursing care, which emphasizes the healing of the whole
person, including mind, body, and soul (American Holistic Nurses Association, 2023).
FIGURE 1.2 Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) is considered the founder of holistic nursing. (credit: “Three Quarter length portrait of Florence
Nightingale” by Unknown/Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)
The twentieth century saw significant progress in nursing education, research, professionalization, and technology. Nurses
became actively involved in health promotion, disease prevention, and patient advocacy.
In recent decades, the goals of nursing have further evolved to emphasize evidence-based practice, patientcentered care, and
interdisciplinary collaboration. Nurses now play critical roles in care coordination, healthcare leadership, and policy
development. They actively engage in health promotion, disease management, and support for individuals and communities.
Nurses are the coordinators of care for patients and communities, and nursing goals continue to change and develop as society
progresses.
Role of the Nurse
The role of the professional nurse is multifaceted and dynamic. Nurses provide direct patient care, educate
1.1 • Principles of Nursing Practice
individuals and families, act as advocates, coordinate care, and provide leadership and change within the healthcare system.
They play a crucial role in promoting health, delivering holistic care, and improving patient outcomes.
