Nurse’s Decision-Making and Advocacy in Patient Care

QUESTION

Identify an example of decision-making or problem-solving that your nurse required. What was the outcome for the patient?

Discuss an example of advocacy used by your nurse. Discuss how your observations may impact your practice.

ANSWER

Nurse’s Decision-Making and Advocacy in Patient Care

Introduction

Nurses play a critical role in decision-making and problem-solving, as well as advocating for their patients’ best interests. This essay discusses an example of a nurse’s decision-making and problem-solving in patient care and explores an instance of advocacy demonstrated by a nurse. The impact of these observations on my future nursing practice is also examined.

Example of Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

During a busy night shift in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Nurse Sarah encountered a challenging situation with a critically ill patient, Mr. Johnson, who was admitted with severe sepsis. Despite receiving appropriate treatment, Mr. Johnson’s condition continued to deteriorate, and his family was becoming increasingly anxious and demanding.

Nurse Sarah faced a difficult decision regarding the management of Mr. Johnson’s care. After thorough assessment and collaboration with the healthcare team, she identified the need to escalate Mr. Johnson’s treatment to a higher level of care in the form of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). This decision required her to communicate effectively with the attending physician, the patient’s family, and the interdisciplinary team to ensure a coordinated and timely response.

The Outcome for the Patient

As a result of Nurse Sarah’s prompt decision-making and implementation of CRRT, Mr. Johnson’s condition stabilized, and he showed signs of improvement. His renal function began to improve, and his vital signs became more stable. Moreover, Nurse Sarah’s calm and confident demeanor helped alleviate the family’s anxiety, providing them with much-needed reassurance during a challenging time.

Example of Advocacy

In another instance, Nurse Emily was caring for a pediatric patient, Lily, who required a surgical procedure. During the preoperative preparation, Nurse Emily noticed that Lily’s surgical consent form was incorrectly completed, and it did not match the planned procedure. Despite time constraints and pressure from the surgical team to proceed, Nurse Emily advocated for the patient’s safety.

She immediately brought the discrepancy to the attention of the surgeon and the charge nurse, insisting on obtaining a correct and informed consent form before proceeding with the surgery. Her advocacy ensured that Lily received the appropriate surgical intervention and minimized the risk of potential complications.

Impact on My Nursing Practice

Observing these examples of decision-making, problem-solving, and advocacy in nursing practice has had a profound impact on shaping my future approach as a nurse. I have learned the importance of critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and effective communication in delivering safe and high-quality patient care.

The experiences have highlighted the significance of timely and accurate decision-making to achieve positive patient outcomes. I understand that remaining calm under pressure and seeking collaboration with the healthcare team are crucial in navigating complex patient care situations.

Furthermore, witnessing the advocacy displayed by my colleagues has reinforced the responsibility of nurses to be strong patient advocates. I have recognized that patient safety and well-being should always take precedence, and it is essential to speak up when necessary to protect the interests of those under my care.

Conclusion

Nurse decision-making, problem-solving, and advocacy are integral components of delivering excellent patient care. The examples of Nurse Sarah’s decision to escalate treatment for Mr. Johnson and Nurse Emily’s advocacy for Lily’s safety demonstrate the positive impact that nursing actions can have on patient outcomes. As I progress in my nursing career, I will carry these valuable observations with me, aiming to provide compassionate, evidence-based care while advocating for the best interests of my patients. By incorporating critical thinking and effective communication skills, I will contribute to improved patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of nursing practice.