When a child becomes ill, the entire family needs care. In order to create a true healing environment, we must make every effort to keep families together, communicate fully and frequently, and make shared decisions. Patients and families are partners in care. This is referred to as Patient & Family Centered Care, or PFCC. The following principles provide a foundation for Patient and Family Centered Care: We treat patients and families with dignity and respect. We provide clear, comprehensive information in ways that are useful and empowering. We create opportunities for patients and families to participate in ways that enhance their control and independence. We ensure that collaboration is inherent…

Teamwork is important in nursing because it provides faster, safer and more efficient patient care. Teamwork in nursing care has a variety of benefits such as improved outcomes, effective communication, enhanced colleague knowledge and increased job satisfaction. Nurses do not only treat patients, they also offer information to patients and families and provide emotional support to those who may require it. In today’s health care market, the practice of teamwork has gained in popularity. This is especially true for professional nurses. When nurses function as part of a unit, and when they act as part of a team, the job itself is easier and more efficient. Moreover, overall patient care…

I remember in the beginning of my professional career.  As a student nurse I was evaluated on tasks that needed to be done and done in a timely manner.  At the end of my shift as a young student nurse I obediently sharpened the used needles, placed them in a glass container, stuffed some cotton at the end and sterilized the needles.  I had all of the thermometers soaking in “green soap” to be rinsed and ready for the next shift.  I had my charting done and ready for shift report.  I gave compassionate nursing care.  I was task-orientated.  I believed I was a valued RN. Task-orientated nursing refers to…