Nursing

Upholding standards of performance

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, June 12, 2007

At University of New Mexico Hospitals (UNMH) in Albuquerque, NM, advanced practice nurses (APN) spend a great deal of time upholding standards. The APN job description summary includes standards of performance that focus on people, service, and quality. The following are five of the eight standards of performance that APNs must uphold daily:

  • Positive attitude: We are here to serve our customers by meeting their needs with utmost care and courtesy. Our attitude represents the hospital's commitment to excellence. This commitment is reflected by providing a positive and caring experience with every interaction.
  • Professionalism: We consider our customer's expectations in how we present our facility and ourselves. We have only one opportunity to make a positive first impression. This commitment is reflected in our ethics, appearance, manner, expressions, and concern.
  • Communication: We are committed to listening attentively to our coworkers, patients and customers in order to fully understand and meet their needs. This commitment is reflected by our verbal, nonverbal, and written communications being delivered with courtesy, clarity, care, and a smile.
  • Dignity and respect: We recognize, value, and respect the diversity of our coworkers, patients, and customers by honoring their perspectives, choices, and differences. This commitment is reflected in our conduct by ensuring their knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into staff interactions, care planning, and decision making.
  • Knowledge and expertise: We believe our patients deserve to have people caring for them who are knowledgeable and technically proficient in what they do. This commitment is reflected through preceptorships, mentorships, continuing education, and ongoing competency evaluations.

Source: Ann Caudell, PhD, RN, project consultant, UNM Hospitals

Most Popular

Related Articles