ABSTRACT
Many of the changes in health care delivery systems have had detrimental effects on nurses; however, some of these same changes are providing opportunities for acute care advanced practice nurses. Advanced practice nurses ensure continuity of care, manage use of resources, and coordinate patient services, which often results in cost savings. This article describes how advanced practice nurses in the department of surgery at Memorial Health Care, Worcester, Mass, are caring for surgical patients with acute and chronic conditions.
Subject(s)
Nurse Practitioners/organization & administration , Perioperative Nursing/organization & administration , Brain Neoplasms/nursing , Brain Neoplasms/surgery , Clinical Protocols , Craniocerebral Trauma/nursing , Craniocerebral Trauma/therapy , Humans , Massachusetts , Role , Surgery Department, Hospital , WorkforceABSTRACT
The advanced practice nurse examines patient outcomes and ways to improve them. APNs maintain a continuum of care throughout the patient's entire surgical experience. Standards of the APN include clinical expertise and clinical leadership.
Subject(s)
Job Description , Nurse Practitioners/organization & administration , Operating Room Nursing/organization & administration , Clinical Competence , Continuity of Patient Care , Humans , Models, Nursing , Outcome Assessment, Health CareABSTRACT
As competition increases and health care demands continue to rise, it is essential to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of health care provided while delivering cost-effective care which is safe and results in quality outcomes. The addition of nurse practitioners to the department of surgery is not another layer of health care workers doing tasks, but rather it is a process. The role of nurse practitioners and the impact of cost savings and improved care in one department of surgery are described.
Subject(s)
Nurse Practitioners/organization & administration , Perioperative Nursing/organization & administration , Quality of Health Care , Adult , Aged , Cost Savings , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Humans , Job Description , Middle Aged , Nursing Evaluation Research , Nursing ProcessABSTRACT
Through a phenomenological perspective, this study describes the experiences of home health aides caring for people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Six home health aides were asked the question, "What is it like to be a home health aide caring for persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome?" The essential meanings uncovered from this study were empathy, being there, self-reflection, support and communication, and coping. This research study about home health aides caring for persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome will help nursing develop additional programs to educate and support the home health aide in this experience.
