Standardized Nursing Terminology
The nursing profession and direct/bedside nurses benefit immensely from the adoption of standardized nursing terminologies especially with regards to the documentation of nursing care. The American Nurses Association has provided approval to thirteen nursing terminologies that should be adopted in nursing; however, only ten of those terminologies have specificity to nursing care. The purpose of the present essay is to elucidate on the manner in which nurse leaders and other nurses may be informed about the importance of standardized nursing terminologies as well as explaining the pros and cons of implementation these terminologies in the practice of nursing.
Informing nurse of the importance of standardized nursing terminologies
Informing the nurse leader and other nurses of the importance of nursing terminologies is of utmost importance to the success of the endeavor. Studies have revealed that most nurses do not comprehend the usage and import of standardized nursing terminology in care, which raises serious queries regarding its application. However, these nurses should be informed that standardized nursing terminologies create uniformity in the delivery of care. The provision of the common means of communication amongst nurses from various countries and or geographical locations makes the practice easier and the documentation of nursing care safer (Ivory, 2016). Moreover, the implementation of standardized nursing terminologies will enable nurses from varied units and even hospitals to have an understanding of the implied problem or specific problem identified in the observed outcome.
Moreover, I would explain to the nurse leader and other nurses of the rigorous process that the standardization has undergone to make them buy the idea. The American Nurses Association has several committees such as the Nursing Information and Data Set Evaluation Center (NIDSEC), which oversee the implementation of the standardized nursing terminology (Saranto, Saba, Dykes, Kinnunen, & Mykkänen, 2016). These committees not only choose the terminologies, but also evaluate their implementation to ensure superior patient care and ease of work in nursing care. The evaluation of the terminologies occurs against the provisions of the Joint Commission’s Recommendations, which makes the terminologies friendly to nursing.
The benefits and challenges of implementing standardized nursing terminologies
The implementation of SNTs in nursing practice comes with associated benefits and challenges to the practice environment and the nurses therein. Amongst the many benefits of the standardized nursing terminologies in care practice include improved communication amongst them as well as other care professionals. The adoption of the standardized nursing terminologies leads to improved communication both internationally and locally as well (Strudwick & Hardiker, 2016). The significance of cross-border usage of the terminologies is that it will alert the nurse regarding useful interventions that they may not be having in their area of practice. For example, a study by Baena de Morales Lopes and his colleagues in 2004 provided insights into how victims of sexual violence in Sao Paolo in Brazil would be diagnosed and treated. The major nursing diagnoses amongst that population were acute pain, rape-trauma syndrome, risk for infection, fear/anxiety, impaired skin integrity, as well as altered comfort. The accompanying intervention terminologies including administration of apt medications alongside explanations of anticipated adverse events, emotional support, aiding the client to clean clothes after showering, as well as referrals to needed agencies featured. The application of the same in other patient populations revealed that a creation of bonds with the clients was the consequence. Thus, standardized nursing terminologies can be used across countries and specialties with an understanding accruing.
Moreover, enhanced visibility of the interventions offered by nurses also occur as a consequence of using standardized nursing terminologies. The adoption of computerized nursing documentation systems will result to a nursing intervention that is more patient-centered and consistency in documentation (Ivory, 2016). The resultant increased sensitivity of the interventions offered courtesy of the computerized system will lead to the revelation of the contributions offered by nurses in the provision of patient care, which will result into a more visible nursing role. For instance, nurses will need to re-evaluate cervical status and verify presentation as a prelude to initiating additional ind
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