Posted: September 24th, 2023

Nursing as a Professional Partner: An Examination of Perceptions Across Disciplines

Share your perceptions based on your current work environment: Is nursing perceived as a professional partner with other disciplines?

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Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current Ace homework tutors – APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.
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Nursing as a Professional Partner: An Examination of Perceptions Across Disciplines

Introduction

In contemporary healthcare settings, collaboration among various disciplines is crucial to providing high-quality and patient-centered care. Among these disciplines, nursing plays a pivotal role, serving as a professional partner with others in the healthcare team. This paper delves into the perceptions of nursing as a professional partner and explores how nursing has evolved to gain recognition and credibility among other disciplines. Drawing from scholarly and peer-reviewed sources, this discussion aims to shed light on the significance of nursing as a vital component of the multidisciplinary healthcare landscape.

Evolution of Nursing Perception

Historically, nursing was often perceived as a subservient profession, mainly fulfilling supportive roles to physicians. However, over the last few decades, nursing has undergone a transformative journey, resulting in increased recognition and respect among other disciplines. Nursing has been propelled by an array of factors, including educational advancements, increased autonomy, and an emphasis on evidence-based practice.

One of the primary drivers of nursing’s evolution is the expansion of nursing education. The move towards advanced degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), has enabled nurses to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of patient care, research methodologies, and leadership skills. These academic advancements have solidified nursing’s standing as an equal partner in healthcare delivery.

Additionally, nursing’s emphasis on evidence-based practice has elevated its credibility and relevance in the multidisciplinary context. Through rigorous research and the integration of evidence-based guidelines, nursing has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing patient outcomes and promoting safe and effective care. This commitment has garnered respect from other disciplines, fostering a collaborative atmosphere within healthcare teams.

Nursing as a Crucial Team Player

In contemporary healthcare, the complexity of patient cases demands a collaborative approach to decision-making. Nursing, as an integral member of the healthcare team, brings a unique perspective to patient care. Nurses possess a profound understanding of the patient’s holistic needs, considering physical, psychological, and social aspects of care. Their expertise in assessing patient conditions and monitoring responses to treatment is invaluable in developing comprehensive care plans.

Moreover, nurses serve as patient advocates, ensuring that the patient’s voice is heard and respected within the healthcare team. Their capacity to communicate effectively with patients and their families bridges the gap between medical jargon and layman terms, promoting patient engagement and shared decision-making.

Obstacles to Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Despite the progress in recognizing nursing as a professional partner, certain challenges persist in the promotion of true interdisciplinary collaboration. Hierarchical structures within healthcare organizations, remnants of historical perceptions, can hinder effective communication and mutual respect among disciplines. Additionally, workload disparities and time constraints can impede collaborative efforts, leading to potential tensions between professions.

Enhancing Nursing’s Professional Partnership

To further augment nursing’s role as a professional partner, collaborative efforts should be made at various levels. Healthcare organizations should implement strategies that foster open communication and mutual respect among all disciplines. Initiatives that promote interprofessional education and shared decision-making can help break down traditional barriers and foster a culture of collaboration.

Nursing has undoubtedly emerged as a professional partner within the multidisciplinary healthcare landscape. Through education, evidence-based practice, and a patient-centered approach, nursing has secured its place as an equal player in the provision of high-quality patient care. Collaborative efforts among healthcare disciplines hold the key to a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system.

References:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2017). Fact Sheet: The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Impact-of-Education

Institute of Medicine. (2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online). Assessing Progress on the Institute of Medicine Report The Future of Nursing. National Academies Press.

Mallidou, A. A., Cummings, G. G., Schalm, C., Estabrooks, C. A., & Kephart, G. (2017). Health care professionals’ perspectives on shared decision-making in neonatal intensive care units. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 46(2), e37-e49.

World Health Organization. (2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online). State of the World’s Nursing Report. Geneva: WHO.

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