Patient Centered Care Essay

Patient Centered Care: Enhancing the Quality of Nursing Care Nurses work on the front lines of healthcare, and oftentimes are an advocate for patients, which is why it is imperative that while providing care the patient is a top priority. In alignment with the QSEN competencies, patient centered care is defined as the ability to “recognize the patient or designee as the source of control and full partner in providing compassionate and coordinated care based on respect for patient’s preferences, values, and needs” (Cronenwett et al., 2007, pg.2). It is the job of the nurse to integrate the patient as a whole into the care that is provided for them. The three target areas to implement this way of thinking is through knowledge, skills, and attitude

For example, Cronenwett et al. (2007) states that nurses can explore ways to break down the “wall” between patients and the healthcare team that often leads to a break in communication, and understanding these obstacles will allow the nurse to create ways to provide more effective care. Although identifying ways to practice patient centered care holds importance in a clinical setting, incorporating said knowledge into daily practice is equally necessary. According to Cronenwett et al. (2007), interacting in a way that is respectful and inclusive of all cultures and mindful of diverse walks of life is a vital skill to practice, and this will ultimately lead to the ability to tailor aspects of care to meet their personal preferences. While being able to demonstrate knowledge through action is imperative, the attitude that is shown while doing it can unveil whether a healthcare worker is genuine or not. For example, it is easy to support the decisions of a patient whose values are similar to one’s own, but it is equally as important to willingly support a patient whose values are different (Cronenwett et al.,