Discuss the 3 major roles of the professional nurse at the BSN level, as defined by AACN
- Provider of care
- Designer, coordinator/manager of care
- Member of the profession & advocate for both the profession and the clients served
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is considered as the organization
overseeing the nursing education programs throughout the United States for baccalaureate level
and higher degree ( AACN, 2017). As of 2017, the institution has a total of 810 nursing schools
including both public and private Universities nationwide (AACN, 2017). In its mission, AACN
has put forth quality standards for nursing education in order to serve the public interest. In fact,
it has assisted schools in putting in action those measures. Moreover, it has provided resources,
and developed leadership capacity of its member schools. These actions not only have brought
about improvement in health care but also have promoted public support for professional nursing
education, research and practice (Blais & Hayes, 2016). As nursing programs have followed
the guidelines produced by AACN, they have prepared highly qualified nurses for a health
system in continual change in order to meet the challenges of the moment. Interestingly, they
have emerged as a caregiver, advocate and care coordinator etc…
Patient-centered care is one of the most important roles of a nurse. It is an approach to the care
grounded in collaboration with the patients and families. This has focused on fundamental
concepts of dignity and respect (Blais & Hayes, 2016). The care provided by a nurse extends
well beyond the administration of medications and other therapies. As care provider, a nurse
provides hands-on care to patients in a variety of settings. Additionally, the care given is holistic
in that it takes into account physical, psychological, spiritual, cultural and environmental needs
of the individual. They have used critical thinking along with the nursing process to prevent
illness and treat health condition.
Being the patient’s advocate may be the most important role of a nurse. As advocate, the nurse
protects the patient’s rights and best interests ( Blais & Hayes, 2016). Sickness may alter
someone’s ability to act as he or she would normally do in the absence of disease. Therefore,
the nurse acts on the patient’s behalf by supporting his or her decisions, enhancing his or her
autonomy , also; standing up for his or her interests at all time ( Long, 2015 ). On the
other hand, the nurse recognizes that the patient’s values supersede healthcare providers’. All
along the treatment and care, the nurse informs the patients about his or her rights, ascertains
these rights are understood and most importantly are protected against any attempt of violation
( Blais & Hayes, 2016). As a result, the patient feels empowered knowing that his or her values,
dignity, privacy, interest, autonomy and so forth are safeguarded.
Nurse as manager or care coordinator plays a unique and vital role. Indeed, nurse works in
collaboration with other health professionals to ensure that the patient’s care is cohesive. Thus,
the end result will always be the achievement of the desired patient outcome. The nurse
manager plans, directs and controls the resources during the delivery of the individual’s care
(Blais & Hayes, 2016 ). From the time the patient enters the healthcare setting to the time patient
is discharged and beyond, the nurse is responsible for the continuity of care. This may include
overseeing home instructions and sometimes even home inspection in order to detect safety
hazards for the patient. Also, the coordinator role positions the nurse as a pivotal resource for the
patient and families. In fact, throughout the time a patient spends at the health facility, the nurse
serves as a focal point of communication bridging the gap between client and loved ones.
In summary, all evidence has shown that nurses represent the cornerstone of the health care
system. These professionals work above and beyond to make the patients experience the best and
high quality care their case requires. Arguably, they are the backbone of a health system that is
constantly changing. Their contribution in the medical field is undoubtedly indispensable and
priceless. It is only in this way that one can define the professional nursing roles. It has no
definition, instead it does include a series of roles and responsibilities that nurses undertake
which reflect the needs of the patient.
References
- Blais, K. K., & Hayes, J. S. (2016). Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives (7th ed., pp. 70-71, 177, 182). Hoboken, New Jersey, USA: Pearson.
- AACN (2017). Fact sheets: updated March 2017.
- Long, B (2015, Jan). Nurses as Patients Advocates.
