Nursing

A systematic, patient-centered framework consisting of five sequential steps: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation (ADPIE). It provides a structured approach to delivering individualized care and serves as the foundation for clinical decision-making in all nursing practice settings.

The conscientious integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to guide healthcare decisions. EBP ensures that nursing interventions are grounded in scientific findings rather than tradition or intuition alone, improving patient outcomes and safety.

The act of supporting and promoting the rights, well-being, and interests of patients within the healthcare system. Nurse advocates ensure patients receive accurate information, give informed consent, and have their preferences respected, particularly when patients cannot speak for themselves.

The legally defined boundaries of activities, procedures, and responsibilities that a nurse is authorized to perform based on their licensure, education, and certification. Scope of practice varies by state or country and differs among registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice nurses.

An approach to nursing that addresses the physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and psychological needs of the patient rather than focusing solely on the disease or presenting symptoms. Holistic care recognizes that healing involves the whole person and their environment.

The cognitive process by which nurses observe, interpret, and respond to patient data to make sound decisions about care. Clinical judgment integrates knowledge, experience, and critical thinking and is a core competency measured by the Next Generation NCLEX examination.

The transfer of responsibility for performing a specific nursing task from a licensed nurse to a competent individual, such as a nursing assistant or unlicensed assistive personnel, while the nurse retains accountability for the overall patient outcome. Proper delegation follows the five rights: right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction, and right supervision.

A purposeful, goal-directed form of communication used by nurses to establish trust, gather information, and support patients' emotional and psychological well-being. Techniques include active listening, open-ended questioning, reflection, and empathetic responding.

The shared values, beliefs, and behavioral norms within a healthcare organization that prioritize the prevention of errors and harm to patients. A strong safety culture encourages error reporting without blame, promotes teamwork, and supports continuous quality improvement.

The practice of healthcare providers from different disciplines working together as a coordinated team to deliver comprehensive patient care. Effective interprofessional collaboration improves communication, reduces errors, and leads to better patient outcomes across the continuum of care.