Interviewing A Professional Nurse 151801

INTERVIEWING A PROFESSIONAL NURSE Interviewing a professional nurse

The nursing profession offers individuals dynamic opportunities to enhance their careers through direct interaction with patients and interdisciplinary teams. The holistic and patient-centered approach central to nursing care not only improves patient satisfaction but also benefits healthcare organizations by reducing adverse events and compliance risks. Critical factors such as teamwork, patient care, adaptability, time management, communication, motivation, and core values influence the quality of nursing services. To gain deeper insight into these elements, an interview was conducted with RN Kate, a seasoned nurse with nine years of experience, currently pursuing a master's degree.

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Effective teamwork is foundational to delivering high-quality nursing care. According to Green and Johnson (2015), teamwork is the collective effort of individuals working toward shared goals. In a clinical setting, this involves collaboration among diverse healthcare professionals—including physicians, pharmacists, social workers, chaplains, and nutritionists—to provide comprehensive, holistic care that addresses all patient needs. Nurse Kate emphasized that a multidisciplinary team enhances patient outcomes by leveraging various expertise and skills, thus ensuring no aspect of patient care is overlooked. The significant physical and emotional demands of nursing make a reliable support system essential, fostering resilience and job satisfaction among caregivers. Such collaboration not only improves patient outcomes but also mitigates burnout among nursing staff, which is critical for maintaining workforce stability and reducing turnover (Heale & Kitson, 2015).

Patient care strategies in nursing are driven by evidence-based practices and patient-centeredness, both of which Kate highlighted as pillars of optimal care. Evidence-based practice integrates current research findings with clinical expertise and patient preferences, leading to tailored and effective interventions (Melnyk et al., 2014). Patient-centered care respects individual patient values and promotes holistic approaches, resulting in higher satisfaction. Kate underscored that investing in continuous education—staying abreast with the latest research, clinical protocols, and cultural competency—has significantly improved her ability to provide culturally sensitive, holistic care. This holistic approach is especially vital in diverse patient populations, where understanding cultural nuances can influence health outcomes and adherence (Saha, Beach, & Cooper, 2018).

Adaptability remains a core competency for modern nurses. Kate highlighted the pivotal role technology plays in this regard, particularly the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). The transition from paper-based to digital records has enhanced data access, accuracy, and efficiency, allowing nurses to retrieve vital information swiftly and thereby improving patient outcomes (Nguyen, Bellucci, & Nguyen, 2014). Furthermore, the increasing diversity among patient populations necessitates cultural competence. Kate’s efforts to learn about different cultural backgrounds have empowered her to deliver more personalized and respectful care, fostering trust and better communication with patients from varied backgrounds (Campinha-Bacote, 2011).

Time management is essential in addressing the high demands of nursing. Kate acknowledged that balancing clinical responsibilities with personal and social life is necessary for sustained performance. Proper prioritization and organization enable nurses to meet patient needs promptly without compromising their well-being. Kate emphasized that striking a balance between professional duties and personal life prevents burnout, maintains job satisfaction, and ensures continuous professional growth (Feng, 2013). Effective time management also allows nurses to engage in ongoing education and self-care, crucial for adapting to evolving healthcare environments.

Communication styles significantly influence team dynamics and patient interactions. Kate described her assertive communication approach, which fosters clarity, openness, and respect. She employs horizontal, top-down, and bottom-up communication channels to engage effectively with colleagues, superiors, and patients (Riley, 2015). This multifaceted approach ensures a therapeutic environment where concerns can be expressed and addressed constructively. Such communication enhances teamwork, reduces misunderstandings, and promotes patient safety.

Motivation in nursing is driven by intrinsic factors such as personal fulfillment, purpose, and internal satisfaction. Kate transitioned from initial extrinsic motivators like salary to internal drivers such as peace of mind and professional pride. This intrinsic motivation sustains her through challenging situations and fosters resilience (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Recognizing the importance of intrinsic rewards encourages nurses to maintain high standards of care and continue professional development.

Core professional values shape nurses’ conduct and decision-making. Kate identified honesty, respect for human dignity, integrity, and hard work as fundamental values. These principles guide her daily interactions and foster trust with patients and colleagues. Upholding these values is essential for maintaining discipline, ethical standards, and a positive work environment, which ultimately enhances patient care quality (International Council of Nurses, 2012). Cultivating a strong ethical framework supports nurses in navigating complex clinical situations with professionalism and compassion.

In conclusion, effective teamwork, evidence-based patient care, technological adaptability, excellent time management, assertive communication, intrinsic motivation, and strong core values are essential for high-performance nursing. Kate’s experiences highlight that continuous learning, cultural competence, and ethical integrity are necessary to meet the evolving demands of healthcare. These factors not only improve patient outcomes but also foster professional satisfaction and personal growth among nurses. As the healthcare landscape advances, embracing these elements will remain vital for delivering compassionate, holistic, and efficient care.

References

  • Campinha-Bacote, J. (2011). Delivering patient-centered care in the midst of cultural complexity. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 16(2).
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
  • Feng, Z. (2013). Time management and nursing performance: A review of studies. Journal of Nursing Management, 21(2), 246-253.
  • Green, B. N., & Johnson, C. D. (2015). Interprofessional collaboration in research, education, and clinical practice: working together for a better future. Journal of Chiropractic Education, 29(1), 1-10.
  • Heale, R., & Kitson, A. (2015). Reprint of: Trust in nursing teams: A qualitative study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 24(5-6), 927-935.
  • International Council of Nurses. (2012). The code of ethics for nurses. Geneva: ICN.
  • Melnyk, B. M., Gallagher-Ford, L., Long, L. E., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2014). The establishment of evidence-based practice competencies for practicing registered nurses and advanced practice nurses in real-world clinical settings: Proficiencies to improve healthcare quality, reliability, patient outcomes, and costs. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 11(1), 5-15.
  • Nguyen, L., Bellucci, E., & Nguyen, L. T. (2014). Electronic health records implementation: An evaluation of information system impact and contingency factors. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 83(11), 779-796.
  • Saha, S., Beach, M. C., & Cooper, L. A. (2018). Patient-centeredness, cultural competence, and healthcare quality. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(10), 1655-1659.
  • Riley, J. B. (2015). Communication in nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.

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