NR 351 Week 1 Discussion 1, Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies

NR 351 Week 1 Discussion 1, Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies Now that you have examined the Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies, why do you think that these competencies were selected? Which 2 of the 10 competencies will be most important to your future nursing practice and why? These competencies were selected by the Competency Committee of the Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies (NOFNCC) Joint Working Group as a “set of assumptions to serve as a framework for its work and as guiding principles for the design of a competency-based education and practice partnership model” (Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, 2010, p. 3). This model would integrate patient safety, patient care, curriculum models for differing levels of practice, define the roles of nurses within the work setting and be relevant in all stages of care amongst all patient populations. This model ensured “the nurses of the future will be proficient in a core set of competencies” (Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, 2010, p. 4). The integration of these competencies ensured there was a transition from one nursing program to the next (LPN to RN to BSN) differentiating levels of competency. This was done in hopes to inspire students in continuing their education. Incorporation of competencies into the workplace helped nurses move from the classroom into practice proficiently using all skills learned for their specific educational level. This better coordinated nurse’s training/orientation in practice. The NOFNCC model created a “common language that further facilitates integration in both academic and practice setting.” (Massachusetts Action Coalition, 2014, p. 3) The two nursing competencies that are most important to my future nursing practice would be Patient-Center Care and Communication. According to Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, the Nurse of the Future will provide: • Patient-Center Care “that recognizes an individual’s preference, values and needs, and respects the patient as a full partner in providing compassionate, coordinated, age and culturally appropriate, safe and effective care.” (p. 9) • Communication “effectively with patients, families and colleagues, fostering mutual respect and shared decision making, to enhance patient satisfaction and health outcomes.” (p. 27) Nurses spend significantly more time at the bedside with patients and have the reputation of being honest and true. Too many times have doctors left patient rooms and upon my return, I was expected to answer questions patients didn’t ask the doctors. Patients need to feel that they can trust the nurse in their most vulnerable state of mental stress and/or physical illness. I pride myself on being an honest and true person in all facets of life. This week’s lesson discussed time management as a nurse. I never clock out of work without being assured that I’ve addressed all patient issues or directed them to someone who can. I dedicate time in my work schedule just to talk with my patients. I meet my patient’s needs on their level and have no problem explaining my actions. From my experience in the field, most patients are scared. Some have no idea what their diagnosis means or what they’re prescribed certain medications for. I pride myself on listening to my patients and being forthcoming with information. I have dedicated my life to caring which means that my patient’s needs and concerns will always be a priority to me. All my patients are treated with respect and dignity same as I would want myself or my family treated with. It is my duty to ensure all their needs are met. At heart, I believe that these two selections I’ve chosen directly tie into the role of a nurse: caregiver, patient advocate, teacher, decision maker, manager of care, and communicator. For some nurses, nursing is just a job. For me, nursing is a lifestyle. Patient-center care and communication govern my actions as a nurse. References Massachusetts Action Coalition. (May 2014). The Massachusetts nursing core competencies: A Toolkit for Implementation in Education and Practice Settings. Retrieved February 26, 2016, from Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. (2010). Creativity and connections: Building the framework for the future of nursing education and practice. Retrieved February 26, 2016 from