Definition of Nursing and Core Concepts

Nursing is a profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities to maintain or improve health and quality of life.
It combines art and science, emphasizing both technical skills and compassionate care.

Patient-Centered Care
- Prioritizes the needs, preferences, and values of patients.
- Involves shared decision-making and respect for patient autonomy.
Evidence-Based Practice
- Integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.
- Supports effective and safe patient care.
Holistic Approach
- Considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients.
- Aims for overall well-being, not just the absence of illness.

Assessment
- Collecting data about the patient’s health status.
- Involves physical exams, health history, and diagnostic tests.
Diagnosis
- Analyzing assessment data to identify health problems.
- Formulating nursing diagnoses based on patient needs.
Planning
- Establishing goals and outcomes for patient care.
- Developing a nursing care plan with interventions.
Implementation
- Carrying out the nursing care plan.
- Involves administering treatments, medications, and educational support.
Evaluation
- Assessing the effectiveness of the nursing interventions.
- Modifying the care plan as needed based on patient response.

Adherence to ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice.
Continuous professional development and lifelong learning to maintain competency.

Registered Nurse (RN): Provides direct patient care, education, and health assessments.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Offers basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
Advanced Practice Nurse (APN): Includes Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives, often with specialized education and training.

Communication: Essential for effective patient interactions and teamwork.
Critical Thinking: Necessary for problem-solving and making clinical decisions.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in medical procedures, equipment use, and technology.

Emphasis on community health and preventive care.
Integration of technology in patient care, including telehealth and electronic health records.
Focus on cultural competence and diversity in nursing practice.

Nursing is a profession dedicated to enhancing health and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.
It merges technical expertise and compassionate care, recognized as both an art and a science.

Patient-Centered Care: Prioritizes patient needs, preferences, and values through shared decision-making and respecting autonomy.
Evidence-Based Practice: Combines research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to ensure safe and effective care.
Holistic Approach: Addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of health, promoting overall well-being beyond mere absence of illness.

Assessment: Involves data collection on health status through physical exams, health histories, and diagnostic tests.
Diagnosis: Analyzing assessment data to formulate nursing diagnoses, identifying health challenges faced by the patient.
Planning: Establishing care goals and outcomes, creating a nursing care plan with specific interventions.
Implementation: Executing the nursing care plan which includes administering treatments, medications, and education.
Evaluation: Assessing intervention effectiveness and adjusting the care plan based on patient feedback and outcomes.

Advocate: Represents and champions the rights and needs of patients.
Educator: Delivers vital information and education to patients and their families.
Caregiver: Provides comprehensive physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients.
Collaborator: Engages with healthcare teams to deliver integrated and comprehensive patient care.
Leader: Influences and guides healthcare practices and policy development.

Commitment to ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice.
Continuous professional development and lifelong learning are crucial for maintaining nursing competency.

Registered Nurse (RN): Delivers direct patient care, education, and conducts health assessments.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Provides basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs or physicians.
Advanced Practice Nurse (APN): Encompasses Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives, requiring specialized education and training.

Communication: Vital for effective interactions with patients and teamwork within healthcare settings.
Critical Thinking: Essential for clinical decision-making and problem-solving.
Technical Skills: Includes proficiency in medical procedures, use of equipment, and application of technology in patient care.

Growing focus on community health and preventive measures in nursing practice.
Increasing integration of technology, including telehealth services and electronic health records, in patient care.
Emphasis on cultural competence and embracing diversity within the nursing workforce.