Week 8 Assignment: AACN Essentials Summary Paper
Write a paper in APA Style that discusses each of the AACN Essentials and describe how you met each essential. Incorporate evidence from your previous Nursing Evolution assignments, as well as detailed examples from your didactic, skills lab, and clinical rotations. AACN Essentials are a set of competencies that define the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are essential for the practice of professional nursing. There are six AACN Essentials:
Patient-centered care: This essential involves providing care that is tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the patient, and that recognizes the patient as a whole person with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. To meet this essential, I have made a conscious effort to listen to and understand my patients’ concerns and needs, and to involve them in the decision-making process whenever possible. I have also worked to establish trusting and respectful relationships with my patients and to provide care that is sensitive to their cultural and personal beliefs.
Interprofessional collaboration: This essential involves working with other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated, high-quality care to patients. To meet this essential, I have actively sought out opportunities to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and have worked to build positive relationships with my colleagues. I have also participated in interprofessional education and training opportunities to improve my understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other healthcare professionals and to develop my skills in working as part of a team.
Quality improvement: This essential involves using data and evidence to continuously improve the quality and safety of care provided to patients. To meet this essential, I have participated in quality improvement projects and have used data and evidence to inform my practice. I have also actively sought out opportunities to learn about best practices and have worked to stay up-to-date on the latest research and evidence in my field.
Safety: This essential involves providing care that is safe and minimizes the risk of harm to patients. To meet this essential, I have followed established protocols and guidelines to ensure that I am providing safe care to my patients. I have also participated in training and education programs to improve my understanding of patient safety issues and have taken steps to identify and mitigate potential risks in my practice.
Informatics and patient care technology: This essential involves using technology to support patient care and improve patient outcomes. To meet this essential, I have kept up-to-date with advances in patient care technology and have used technology in my practice to support patient care and improve efficiency. I have also participated in education and training programs to improve my understanding of informatics and patient care technology and have worked to stay proficient in the use of various technologies.
Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice: This essential involves using evidence-based practices and engaging in continuous learning to improve patient outcomes. To meet this essential, I have actively sought out opportunities to learn about best practices and have stayed up-to-date on the latest research and evidence in my field. I have also participated in clinical research projects and have used analytical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of my practice.
Meeting the AACN Essentials has been an ongoing process that has required me to actively seek out learning and development opportunities and to continuously strive to improve my practice. By focusing on these competencies and continuously working to meet them, I believe that I am able to provide the highest quality care to my patients and contribute to the overall advancement of the nursing profession.
For each essential include the following:
A brief summary explanation of the essential that is cited with at least one scholarly source
At least one example of how you met the essential during your nursing program
Review the rubric for more information on how your assignment will be graded.
