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Weekly Q&A: Designing a professional practice model

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, June 27, 2006

This week, a reader wants to know what factors to consider when designing a professional model of care. Read the response below from our advisor, Katherine Riley, BSN, RN, CNA,BC, ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® coordinator and assistant vice president of operations at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

Q: Can you suggest factors to consider when designing a professional model of care?

A: Each organization must define its own professional model of care to meet its needs, based on its unique characteristics, including its patient population and setting, and the needs and availability of its work force. Professional practice models should be designed to promote the role of the professional nurse, support quality patient outcomes, include interdisciplinary collaboration, and provide for an autonomous and supportive work environment for nurses.

Regardless of the professional model of care chosen by an organization, it should be well-defined and evidence-based, and it should include a theoretical foundation. Although the professional practice model should be integrated throughout the nursing department, it should allow for variation as needed on individual units.

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