Scientific foundation competencies are central in how a nurse student can analyze research data and incorporate evidence into practice. Further, the competency creates an opportunity where sciences and humanities; knowledge is integrated into the nursing science context allowing for translation of research outcomes towards improving service delivery (DeNisco, 2021). Through the program, I have also understood how new practice approaches are developed via research, theory, and practice knowledge and be able to engage in evidence-based service delivery to patients.
In nursing, leadership assumes an advanced and complex role in initiating and guiding change. Through the program and understanding this role, I can now provide leadership collaboration with multiple stakeholders to enhance healthcare. To achieve this, the program has taught me to think of critical and reflective ways to advocate for improved access, cost-effective, and quality healthcare to patients. Additionally, the program has facilitated advancing practice, communicating it, and participating in activities that influence advanced nursing practice.
The quality of clinical practice relies on how the best available evidence is used in the constant process of improving service delivery to patients. The program has been central in guiding me on evaluating cost, access, safety, and quality relationships relative to healthcare influence. Moreover, through collaborative team processes, the program has contributed to applying acquired skills in peer review towards promoting a culture of excellence. I am better equipped on quality assurance measures and methods and how they translate to meaningful use in clinical practice.
Learning about the significance of practice inquiry in clinical nursing is essential in translating new knowledge into practice. Through the program, this has been enabled by generating knowledge from clinical practice to enhance patient and practice outcomes. Further, I now know that success in practice inquiry revolves around clinical investigative strategies, which identifies, appraise, and integrate findings into service delivery. With the established knowledge, I can apply clinical investigative skills to improve health results and use the information to manage patients.
In clinical practice, technology and information literacy are critical since it facilitates knowledge management to healthcare improvement. I can easily translate the available scientific and technical health information based on its appropriateness to user needs with the right technology. Further, the program has significantly taught me the need to demonstrate information literacy skills involving complex decisions. Additionally, I am educated on compliance issues associated with patient privacy with technology use.
Policy competencies comprise a wide range of standards for safe and healthy environments practices in clinical practice. The program has been a major player in informing me on the distinct ethical, health, and regulative and legislative procedures that work together in ensuring health protocols are followed by health professionals. By understanding the reforms that have led to the existing policies, it is possible to comprehend the significance policies have in ensuring standard practices are followed.
Health delivery system competencies require an application of organization knowledge practices and complicated systems in place to enhance healthcare service delivery. The program has played a great role in instilling an understanding of these competencies but has also taught me about the effects of healthcare change through skills like partnering, consensus building, and negotiation. From learning, the program has also afforded me knowledge on how to minimize risks faced by staff and patients at all healthcare levels.
Ethics competencies integrate ethical principles in the decision-making process and assess decision outcomes. From integration, the program has been central in teaching the value of sources like practice scope, legal statutes, ethical committee, cultural sensitivity, genetic counseling, and ethical decision-making theories. Further, I can better integrate ethical principles in care delivery and policymaking by learning about ethics competencies. Moreover, population-specific complicated ethical issues have been taught and how they influence clinical practice.
Clinical practice occurs in the public domain and independent practice. The program has taught on the significance of being a licensed independent physician, the need to demonstrate the highest accountability level, and how best to provide patient-centered care. With the only difference between independent and dependent practice being the setting, an independent practitioner must apply existing and emerging professional standards (DeNisco, 2021). Likewise, all other competencies must be integrated into practice by the practitioner.
Change is inevitable; however, it cannot be implemented unless the right strategies are employed. To engage in social change in my community, I will involve community members in the planning process to increase their likelihood of accepting the change. Second, I will ensure it is easy to participate in the change process by providing different opportunities for various members. Three, I will create awareness of the need for social change. Informed members will then participate, and arrangements will be made depending on their availability (Johnson, 2017). Lastly, the use of social media is critical in promoting social change (Johnson, 2017). The created awareness will be facilitated using social media. Unless community members know the opportunity, they will never get involved in the change.
My state nurse practitioner organization is involved in championing improved health policies and modernized laws for nurse practitioners throughout the U.S. The advocacy activity aims to integrate a blend of whole-patient approach and clinical expertise to enhance and transform access to healthcare quality. My organization will actively identify nurse practitioner-related legislation throughout the country with the right support. Further, it will support nurse practitioner policy initiatives at the state level and create policy resources that cultivate strong leadership and sound health policies.
References
DeNisco, S. M. (2021). Advanced practice nursing: Essential knowledge for the profession. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Johnson, S. S. (2017). Emergent: Ignite purpose, transform culture, make change stick. John Wiley and Sons Australia, Ltd.