Discussion Download: Week 2 Self Assessment Of The AACN ESS

Discussiondownload Theweek 2 Self Assessment Of The Aacn Essentialsli

Discussion Download the Week 2 Self-Assessment of the AACN Essentials (Links to an external site.) Follow the directions on the form. Note your total score. Next, review this article: Kramer, M., Schmalenberg, C., Maguire, P., Brewer, B., Burke, R., Chmielewski, L., … Meeks-Sjostrom, D. (2009). Walk the talk: Promoting control of nursing practice and a patient-centered culture. Critical Care Nurse, 29 (3), 77–93. (Links to an external site.) After you have completed your self-assessment, answer the following questions: Describe the relationship between the AACN Essentials and your new-found knowledge about Patient Centered Care. Are there opportunities for you to improve? Essential VIII: Professionalism and Professional Values discusses professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct. Review the Professional Integrity Module-Academics and Practice at the beginning of the course (the first module). Then reflect on your own beliefs and values as they relate to professional nursing practice. Discuss implications of professional nursing integrity and academic integrity.

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Introduction

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials serve as a foundational framework guiding nursing education and practice. These essentials are designed to ensure that nurses are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to deliver competent, patient-centered care. The recent self-assessment aligned with these essentials offers insights into personal strengths and areas for growth in clinical practice. Coupled with an understanding of the article by Kramer et al. (2009), this reflection explores the relationship between these essentials and patient-centered care, along with personal and professional development opportunities related to integrity and professionalism.

The Relationship Between AACN Essentials and Patient-Centered Care

The AACN Essentials emphasize the importance of holistic, patient-centered care, which recognizes the uniqueness of each patient and respects their preferences, values, and needs. For instance, Essential II highlights the importance of quality improvement and safety, which directly impact patient outcomes and experiences. Additionally, Essential V underscores the significance of using evidence-based practice, a core component in providing effective, personalized care.

My newfound understanding emphasizes that patient-centered care is not merely an aspirational concept but a core objective embedded within the framework of the AACN Essentials. The articles by Kramer et al. (2009) reinforce that empowering nurses and fostering a culture of collaboration and control over nursing practice are critical to achieving a truly patient-centered environment. When nurses have autonomy and are supported in their practice, they are better positioned to advocate for patients, ensure safety, and tailor interventions to individual needs. Consequently, the integration of the AACN Essentials with patient-centered care principles leads to improved patient satisfaction, safety, and overall quality of healthcare services.

Opportunities for Personal Improvement

Self-assessment results indicate areas where I can enhance my practice, particularly in communication, leadership, and advocacy — key elements of patient-centered care. For instance, I identified the need to strengthen my skills in collaborative decision-making and patient communication, especially in complex situations. This aligns with Essential VIII, which emphasizes professionalism, ethics, and moral standards.

Recognizing these gaps presents an opportunity for targeted professional development. Engaging in time management workshops, communication skills training, and seeking mentorship can bolster my capabilities. Moreover, active participation in quality improvement initiatives and interdisciplinary teamwork can foster a deeper understanding of collaborative care, ultimately benefiting patients and enriching my professional growth.

Reflecting on Professional and Academic Integrity

Essential VIII stresses the importance of professionalism and adherence to moral, ethical, and legal standards. Reflecting on the Professional Integrity Module, I recognize that maintaining integrity involves being honest, accountable, and respectful within my practice and academic pursuits. Upholding academic integrity means submitting original work, avoiding plagiarism, and giving proper credit to sources, which sustains the credibility of scholarly work and professional reputation.

In clinical practice, professional nursing integrity entails advocating for patients, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to legal and ethical standards, even in challenging circumstances. Academic integrity similarly requires honesty in research, coursework, and professional development activities. Both forms of integrity are intertwined; dishonesty in one area can undermine trust and compromise patient care, while adherence reinforces the professionalism essential to nursing's ethical framework.

Respecting diverse views and acting in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines fosters a culture of trust and safety within healthcare environments. As a future nurse, embracing these principles will help uphold the dignity of patients and the integrity of the nursing profession.

Conclusion

The integration of the AACN Essentials with my understanding of patient-centered care highlights the importance of a holistic, collaborative approach to nursing. Opportunities for personal growth exist in communication, leadership, and advocacy, which are vital to advancing patient-centered outcomes. Moreover, a steadfast commitment to professionalism and integrity in both academic and clinical settings underpins effective and ethical nursing practice. As I continue my journey, I am committed to strengthening these areas, recognizing that professional integrity enhances trust, accountability, and quality of care.

References

1. Kramer, M., Schmalenberg, C., Maguire, P., Brewer, B., Burke, R., Chmielewski, L., & Meeks-Sjostrom, D. (2009). Walk the talk: Promoting control of nursing practice and a patient-centered culture. Critical Care Nurse, 29(3), 77–93.
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