The patient has the right to self determination in seeking and accepting health care intervention. Nurses act as patient advocates by communicating patient expectations, concerns and decisions to members of the interdisciplinary health care team. Professional nursing practice is based on primary nursing. The patient and the nurse collaborate in developing a patient centered plan which identifies outcomes for each episode of care. Nurses provide continuity of care through various roles such as the primary nurse, associate nurse, case manager and research nurse in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Nurses assess plan, implement and evaluate the care of patients.
Nurses collaborate with patients, family members, significant others and the interdisciplinary team to ensure consistent, comprehensive and high quality health care. Nurses promote individual health and well-being through informal and formal education of patient, family and significant others. Patient education is ongoing and based on the multifaceted needs of the patient, family and significant other. The goal of patient education is to promote active participation in care and informed decision-making regarding treatment and research. We recognize the importance of both QT and the empowerment of staff to provide quality nursing care which meets or exceeds patient's expectations.