Aspiring to become a nurse practitioner, I envision embedding patient-centered care into
my practice through personalized approaches tailored to individual needs. Drawing from my
experience as a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse, I recognize the importance of adapting
to the unique circumstances of each patient.
In the ICU, where critical conditions require specialized care, I have navigated scenarios
where effective communication and tailored interventions were paramount. Respectful nurse-
patient communication has been shown to decrease ambiguity, increase patient involvement, and
elevate care satisfaction (Kwame & Petrucka, 2021). Transitioning into a nurse practitioner role,
I anticipate building on this experience by prioritizing clear and effective communication. For
instance, explaining complex medical information using plain language and visual aids has
proven effective in the ICU.
Moreover, patient-centered care involves recognizing and respecting diverse
backgrounds. Recognizing the uniqueness of each patient and considering their medical history,
lifestyle, and preferences are crucial elements (Kwame & Petrucka, 2021). In the ICU, I
encountered situations where cultural and religious considerations influenced healthcare
decisions. In my future practice, I plan to actively incorporate such factors into individualized
care plans, ensuring a comprehensive approach to well-being. This may involve collaborating
with patients and their families to understand and integrate their cultural and/or religious preferences
into the care process.
Lastly, recognizing and addressing emotional needs is paramount (Akseer et al., 2020). In
the ICU, providing emotional support has been indispensable. In my role as a nurse practitioner,
I am dedicated to integrating empathy and compassion into my practice, recognizing the
profound emotional toll that illness can have on both patients and their close companions.
References
Akseer, R., Connolly, M., Cosby, J., Frost, G., Kanagarajah, R. R., & Lim, S. H. E. (2020). Clinician–patient relationships after two decades of a paradigm of patient-centered care. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 14(3), 888–897.
Kwame, A., & Petrucka, P. (2021). A literature-based study of patient-centered care and communication in nurse-patient interactions: barriers, facilitators, and the way forward. BMC Nursing, 20(1).
This is the discussion post topic but the reply is above which is what I need just a reply to someone’s discussion post.
As an aspiring nurse practitioner, how do you anticipate incorporating patient-centered care into your practice? Consider real-life scenarios and share your thoughts on the practical aspects of providing patient-focused healthcare in your future role. (Give examples from your current or past work experience as a nurse to answer this question).