NR 351 Week 7 Discussion
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-351: Transitions in Professional Nursing
Prof. Name
Date
Discussion:
How will you use principles of systems-based practice to grow in your role as a leader in nursing?
Systems-based practice is an essential framework for guiding nursing leadership, as it promotes coordinated, comprehensive, and patient-centered care across the healthcare continuum. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2015) defines systems-based practice as the provision of accessible, continuous, and coordinated person-centered care for individuals with multiple chronic conditions (PLWMCC) through a structured approach that involves teamwork, health information technology, and shared decision-making (Chamberlain College of Nursing, 2020).
In my nursing leadership journey, I will apply systems-based practice by integrating patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teamwork, informatics, technology use, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement into my daily responsibilities. Rather than focusing solely on the immediate needs of my unit, I will consider the broader healthcare ecosystem in which patients receive care. This holistic perspective ensures that care transitions are seamless, patient needs are met beyond hospitalization, and long-term outcomes are prioritized.
A practical strategy I plan to use is active participation in shared governance structures. Shared governance fosters collaborative decision-making between bedside nurses and nurse leaders, empowering staff to take ownership of practice improvements (McKnight & Moore, 2020). My involvement in these committees will not only strengthen my leadership capabilities but will also give me a platform to advocate for policy changes, resource allocation, and workflow improvements that align with systems-based principles.
One example from my current role in an inpatient cardiac unit highlights the importance of this approach. Many patients are readmitted due to poor adherence to discharge instructions—a problem that cannot be solved by a single nurse alone. Time pressures during discharge often result in rushed education, and patients may leave without fully understanding their care plan. By leading initiatives that enhance discharge teaching protocols, I aim to engage my colleagues in designing standardized, patient-friendly education materials, incorporating teach-back methods, and leveraging technology for post-discharge follow-up. This coordinated, system-level intervention can significantly reduce avoidable readmissions.
Core Competencies in Systems-Based Practice
The table below outlines the nursing core competencies relevant to systems-based practice and their application in nursing leadership:
NR 351 Week 7 Discussion
| Core Competency | Description | Application in Leadership |
|---|---|---|
| Patient-Centered Care | Respecting patient values, preferences, and needs | Ensuring discharge plans reflect individual patient capabilities and resources |
| Teamwork and Collaboration | Working effectively with interdisciplinary teams | Facilitating regular interdisciplinary meetings for care coordination |
| Informatics and Technology | Using digital tools to enhance care quality | Implementing electronic reminders for follow-up appointments |
| Evidence-Based Practice | Applying best research evidence to clinical decision-making | Incorporating proven educational strategies into discharge teaching |
| Quality Improvement | Systematically improving patient care processes | Tracking readmission rates and adjusting education protocols accordingly |
Leadership Actions to Enhance Systems-Based Practice
To further strengthen my leadership role within the systems-based framework, I will:
- Promote nurse empowerment by encouraging active participation in shared governance councils.
- Enhance patient education by developing interactive, multilingual discharge resources.
- Leverage technology to create automated alerts for high-risk patients post-discharge.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure continuity of care across care settings.
By integrating these principles, I can contribute to a healthcare environment where patient outcomes improve, nurses feel empowered, and systemic inefficiencies are addressed proactively.
References
Chamberlain College of Nursing. (2020). NR351 Transitions in professional nursing: Week 7 lesson. Downers Grove, IL: Online publication.
McKnight, H., & Moore, S. (2020). Nursing shared governance. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549862/
NR 351 Week 7 Discussion
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2015). Multiple chronic conditions – A strategic framework: Optimum health and quality of life for individuals with multiple chronic conditions. https://www.hhs.gov