Registered Nurses as Caregivers: Influencing the System as Patient Advocates

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Policy
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Registered Nurses (RNs) significantly impact patient and population health.
• The 2011 Institute of Medicine report called for maximizing nursing care value.
• Achieving this requires a future vision and barrier removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a future state for nursing practice.
• To identify and address barriers hindering the full scope of nursing practice.
• To promote a team-based culture focused on collaboration and accountability.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the future state of nursing.
• Discussion of existing barriers within healthcare systems.
• Presentation of recommendations for barrier removal.

Main Results:

• A future vision emphasizes team-based care, collaboration, and accountability.
• Identified barriers include scope of practice overlaps and policy limitations.
• Recommendations are proposed to facilitate nurses working to their full scope.

Conclusions:

• Removing barriers is crucial for realizing the full value of nursing care.
• Continued focus and persistent action are necessary for nursing advancement.
• Empowering RNs enhances patient advocacy and healthcare system effectiveness.