Relationship-based Care in Nursing

While our practice brings about outcomes that equate to quality and satisfaction for patients, families, co-workers, and ultimately the healthcare industry, it always boils down to one key word- relationships. How do we as nurses utilize relationships to deliver care? Is there a correlation between relationship development and healthcare particularly nursing?

Primary nursing is the key to patient success.

Mentoring: Are Seasoned Nurses Doing Their Best?

New nurses are a direct reflection of seasoned nurses that train and mentor them. As seasoned nurses, we must adhere to strict guidelines for training, promoting education, providing encouragement, developing effective ways of mentoring, and incorporating mentorship into the training curriculum.

There is a clear distinction between a preceptor and a mentor.

Nurses’ Unions as an Indirect Predictor of Patient Satisfaction: A Nurse’s Perspective

There is no question about the numerous benefits for nurses through unions, including fair wages, better retirement benefits, and overtime pay including shift differentials, shortened work hours and a safe working environment. The question is, do these benefits transfer to improve patient outcomes and increases in patient satisfaction with their hospital experience?

Controversies surrounding unions.

Independent Patient Advocate: A Role for the Registered Nurse

Many nurses witness a number of concerning practices in the healthcare system. Nurses who desire to openly advocate for their patients find themselves at cross purposes with the institution or the system. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. Nurses advocating for their patients to their own detriment. So how can a nurse advocate without fear of retribution?

Becoming an independent patient advocate is an option.

Nurses, Step Up or Step Down When You Want to Quit

Some days it is extraordinarily clear why you went into this profession. You are making a difference and it feels great! Then there are the “other days” when you wonder why you are here. What were you thinking to choose a profession that would put in you the fire of stressed doctors, sick people, worried families, and even unsafe work environments? Some days you want to quit.

Remember, there is always another “right” answer.