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Weekly Q&A: Creative ways that RNs meet patient needs

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, December 27, 2005

This week,a reader asks for possible ways to demonstrate how staff nurses use innovation to meet the individual needs of their patient populations. Read the response below from our advisor, Anne Jadwin, RN, MSN, AOCN, CNA, director of nursing at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

Q: In my written documentation, how might I demonstrate how direct-care RNs meet the needs of different patient populations with innovation?

A: Ask your direct-care staff nurses how they meet the unique needs of various patient populations on their units (e.g., what accommodations they make when caring for a blind or deaf patient.) To address issues of cultural diversity, can they tell stories about innovative measures to ensure a positive experience for the patient and family? Include these stories to demonstrate staff autonomy in modifying the care environment and utilizing individual staff expertise and talent to individualize patient care. Consider using examples of patient education materials developed to meet a patient need that staff nurses identified. Show how staff nurses modified the change-of-shift report or team rounds to improve caregiver communication.

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