Protection: clarifying the concept for use in nursing practice

The protection of patients is integral in any healthcare setting. Healthcare organizations are increasingly held accountable for preventable medical errors, the attitudes toward safety, and communication among all levels of providers, collaborative practices, and recognition of risks. The concept of protection is inherent in nursing practice. It provides a framework, that further defines healthcare provider's roles in meeting these imperatives. The scope of protection is considered both globally and individually prominent. Nurses protect patients from environmental hazards, themselves, and any perceived threat. In this analysis of the phenomenon, the concept is clarified, and an evidence-based approach to protection is utilized for theory development and concept measurement.