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Key Terms

advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
an APRN is a professional nurse with specialized, advanced education to provide health care to specific patient populations
burnout
a psychological phenomenon characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment related to one’s work
collaborative model
an approach to patient care that emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and effective communication among healthcare professionals to provide holistic, patient-centered care
compassion fatigue
the emotional and physical exhaustion that results from providing empathetic care to those experiencing trauma or suffering
delegation
the act of assigning a task to another person who has the appropriate knowledge, skills, and competence to perform that task
diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
the commitment to recognizing and embracing differences, ensuring fairness, and fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals in order to create a more equitable and enriched nursing profession and healthcare system
integrated scheduling
the practice of coordinating appointments for patients with different healthcare providers involved in their care
interprofessional education (IPE)
curriculum where students from different healthcare disciplines learn together to develop effective teamwork, communication, and shared decision-making skills
moral distress
the emotional and psychological distress experienced when nurses are aware of the ethically right course of action but are constrained from pursuing it due to external factors or institutional limitations
Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)
an agreement among certain U.S. states and territories that allows registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses to hold one multistate license, enabling them to practice in their home state as well as other participating states without needing additional licenses
nursing process
a critical thinking model based on a systematic approach to patient-centered care
patient-centered care
a fundamental concept in nursing that places the patient at the forefront of healthcare delivery
resource allocation
the equitable and efficient distribution of healthcare resources to meet the diverse healthcare needs of patients and communities
Scope of Nursing Practice
ANA resource that defines the boundaries, responsibilities, and expectations of nursing professionals in their respective roles
self-advocacy
the proactive and assertive act of nurses advocating for their own well-being, professional growth, and rights within the healthcare system
simplified referral
a straightforward referral process where a healthcare provider recommends or directs a patient to see another healthcare specialist or receive specific medical services; usually requires minimal administrative coordination
social determinant of health (SDOH)
economic, social, and environmental factors that influence an individual’s health and well-being
team members
includes patients, their families, nurses, and other interdisciplinary healthcare workers involved in patient care
telehealth
a method of using telecommunications technology to provide healthcare services remotely
transparent communication
communication that ensures that patients have the necessary information to make autonomous decisions about their care
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