UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCE

FACULTY OF CLINICAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCE

BASIC CONCEPTS FOR PROFESSIONAL NURSING

PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES

PRESENTED BY
GROUP 10

COURSE TITLE: PROFESSIONAL NURSING CARE

COURSE CODE: NSC 201.2
LECTURER: MRS NKWOCHA CHIOMA

NOVEMBER,2023.
 GROUP 10 MEMBERS

ORINAEMI EVIDENCE TAMUNOBARABOYE U2021/4730005

FABIAN GRACE CHIDINMA U2021/4730006
GEORGE WOSU SURVIVOR U2021/4730007
EFFIONG VIRTUE NSE U2021/4730008
IBINABO TAMUNOIPRIYE SUSAN U2021/4730009
MICHAEL ITOHOWO IDONGESIT U2021/4730010
NNAEKEZIE BENITA CHINAZAEKPERE U2021/4730011
CLINTON PRAISE OKELE U2021/4730012
CHIMA BLAISE CHIBUIKEM U2021/4730013
PEREBOGHA FAVOUR CHIDERA U2021/4730014
MOMOH KHAIRAT FORTUNE U2021/4730015
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover page
Group members
Table of contents
introduction

INTRODUCTION:
Professional nursing practice is a dynamic and multifaceted
field that plays a central role in the delivery of healthcare.
Rooted in a commitment to promote health, prevent illness,
and provide compassionate care, nursing encompasses a
spectrum of fundamental concepts that guide practitioners in
their roles. From ethical considerations to evidence-based
interventions, clinical expertise and caring relationships,
communication skills to continuous learning, understanding
these foundational concepts is essential for nurses to navigate
the complexities of modern healthcare. As we delve into the
various facets of nursing, it becomes evident that it is not
merely a profession but a calling—one that demands a blend of
knowledge, skill, and a deep sense of responsibility. From
educational prerequisites to the ethical principles that underpin
decision-making, this exploration lays the groundwork for a
comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a
professional nurse, sheds light on the core principles that guide
nursing practice, and discusses the challenges that nurses may
encounter in the pursuit of providing optimal healthcare.

CORE COMPONENTS OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING

PRACTICE
1.PATIENT-CENTERED CARE: This entails putting the patient at
the forefront of healthcare decisions and tailoring care to meet
individual needs. At the heart of professional nursing practice
lies a dedication to patient-centered care, where the needs and
preferences of the patient are prioritized. Nurses engage in
active listening, involve patients in care planning, and plan
interventions to individual circumstances. Nurses participate in
ongoing evaluation and improvement of healthcare processes
to enhance patient outcomes. Nurses often act as advocates for
their patients, ensuring that their rights are upheld and that
they receive appropriate and timely care. This may involve
advocating for vulnerable or marginalized populations.

IMPORTANCE
-Enhances patient satisfaction.
-Promotes better outcomes.
-Fosters a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.

CHALLENGES: Balancing individualized care with institutional

protocols and time constraints.

2.EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (EBP): This involves integrating

the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient
values/preferences to inform decision-making in healthcare.
Nurses continually seek and incorporate the latest research
findings into their practice, ensuring the delivery of evidence-
based, effective care. This ensures that interventions are
grounded in scientific knowledge and proven effectiveness.

IMPORTANCE:
-Improves the quality of care.
-Patient safety.
-Outcomes are based on proven methodologies.

CHALLENGES: Accessing up-to-date research, incorporating EBP

in routine practice, and overcoming resistance to change.

3.PROFESSIONALISM: This entails demonstrating a

commitment to ethical behavior, accountability, confidentiality,
continuous lifelong learning and professional development.
Nurses must maintain professional boundaries with patients,
colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. This involves
respecting confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and
upholding a high standard of professionalism. Nurses are bound
by legal standards and regulations. Adherence to these
guidelines is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of
patients and to protect the nurse's professional standing.
IMPORTANCE:
-Builds trust with patients and colleagues.
-Contributes to a positive work environment.
-Upholds the integrity of the nursing profession.

CHALLENGES: Navigating ethical dilemmas, managing workload

stress, and maintaining work-life balance.

4.COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION: Effective

communication and collaboration are paramount in nursing
practice and essential for delivering coordinated and holistic
patient care. Collaborative teamwork is essential in healthcare,
nurses employ clear and empathetic communication skills and
work seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams to optimize
patient outcomes. Nurses interact with patients, families, and
other health practitioners to ensure proper care coordination.

IMPORTANCE:
-Enhances patient safety.
-Facilitates coordinated care.
-Promotes a collaborative healthcare environment.

CHALLENGES: Overcoming communication barriers, addressing

hierarchical structures, and fostering teamwork.

5.CULTURAL COMPETENCE: This involves acknowledging and

respecting diverse cultural backgrounds of patients and
providing culturally sensitive care that acknowledges and
respects individual differences, promoting a more inclusive and
effective healthcare environment. Recognizing and respecting
diverse cultural backgrounds is crucial in nursing.

IMPORTANCE:
-Improves patient satisfaction.
-Reduces health disparities.
-Enhances the effectiveness of care.

CHALLENGES: Recognizing and addressing personal biases,

adapting care to diverse cultural needs, and promoting cultural
competence within healthcare systems.
6.CRITICAL THINKING AND CLINICAL JUDGMENT: This is the
ability to analyze information, assess situations, and make
informed decisions in complex healthcare settings. Critical
thinking is applied in the assessment of patient conditions,
interpretation of diagnostic data, and formulation of care plans.
Professional nursing requires a high level of clinical
competence, this includes proficiency in various nursing skills,
critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to dynamic healthcare
environments.

IMPORTANCE:
Ensures safe and effective nursing practice, especially in
unpredictable or emergency situations.

CHALLENGES: Developing critical thinking skills, adapting to

rapidly changing clinical environments, and navigating
ambiguous situations.

CHALLENGES IN PROFESSIONAL NURSING PRACTICE:

Professional nursing practice is not without its challenges, as
nurses navigate a complex and ever-evolving healthcare
landscape. Here are some key challenges faced by nurses:

1.TIME MANAGEMENT: Nurses often face time constraints,

necessitating effective time management strategies to balance
competing demands.

2.ETHICAL DILEMMAS: The complex nature of healthcare may

lead to ethical dilemmas, requiring nurses to navigate
challenging situations while upholding ethical principles. Ethical
principles, such as autonomy, beneficence, and justice, guide
nursing practice. Nurses must make decisions that align with
these principles while respecting the rights and dignity of
patients. Balancing conflicting ethical principles can be
challenging and requires careful consideration.

3.HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURES: Addressing hierarchical

structures in healthcare settings is essential to fostering open
communication and collaborative teamwork.

4.WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Achieving a balance between work and

personal life can be challenging in the demanding field of
nursing. Long shifts, irregular hours, and emotional demands
contribute to difficulties in maintaining a healthy work-life
balance.

5.SHORTAGE OF STAFF: Many healthcare settings grapple with

a shortage of nursing staff, leading to increased workloads and
potential burnout among nurses. This shortage can
compromise patient care and contribute to job dissatisfaction.

6.HIGH WORKLOAD AND STRESS: Nurses often face demanding

workloads, juggling multiple responsibilities and long hours.
This can result in high levels of stress and fatigue, affecting both
the well-being of the nurse and the quality of patient care.

7.EMOTIONAL DEMANDS: Dealing with patients' pain,

suffering, and sometimes death can take a toll on the emotional
well-being of nurses. Emotional resilience is crucial, but the
continuous exposure to challenging situations can lead to
compassion fatigue.

8.TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS: While technology has

improved healthcare delivery, nurses must constantly adapt to
new systems and technologies. The field of healthcare is
dynamic, with new research and practices emerging regularly.
Nurses must commit to continuous learning to stay current,
which can be challenging amid busy work schedules.

9.COMMUNICATION BARRIERS: Effective communication is

vital in healthcare, but challenges such as language barriers,
miscommunication, or differences in communication styles can
impact the quality of care and collaboration among healthcare
teams

10.PATIENT ADVOCACY AMID RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS:

Advocating for patients' needs and rights can be challenging,
particularly when faced with resource constraints,
administrative pressures, or conflicting priorities within the
healthcare system.

Despite these challenges, nurses play a crucial role in

healthcare delivery, and addressing these issues is essential to
ensure a supportive and sustainable professional environment
for nursing practice.
SOLUTIONS TO CHALLENGES OF PROFESSIONAL
NURSING PRACTICE
Addressing the challenges in professional nursing practice
requires a multifaceted approach. Here are potential solutions
to help mitigate these challenges:
1.STAFFING SOLUTIONS: There should be increased
recruitment efforts and provision of incentives to attract more
individuals to the nursing profession as well as implementation
of strategies to retain experienced nurses, such as offering
competitive salaries and benefits.

2.WORKLOAD MANAGEMENT: Evaluation and adjustment of

staffing levels to match the number of patients and workload.
Implementation of workload management systems to
distribute tasks more efficiently among nursing staff.

3.EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS:

Development and promotion of Employee Assistance Programs
(EAPs) to provide counseling and support for nurses facing
emotional challenges. Also, there should be implementation of
wellness initiatives to promote a healthy work-life balance,
including stress reduction programs and mental health
resources.
4.TECHNOLOGY TRAINING: Creation of comprehensive training
programs to help nurses adapt to new technologies seamlessly
and provision of support and resources for nurses to enhance
their technological competence.
5.ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING SUPPORT: Establishment of
ethics committees or consult services within healthcare
institutions to guide nurses in resolving ethical dilemmas. Also,
there should be offer of regular ethics training and case
discussions to enhance nurses' ability to navigate complex
ethical situations.

6.IMPROVED COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES: Implementation

of effective communication training for healthcare teams to
enhance collaboration. In addition, technology should be
utilized to improve communication, such as secure messaging
systems and electronic health record tools.

7.CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES: Facilitation of

access to ongoing education and professional development
opportunities as well as supporting nurses in pursuing
advanced degrees or certifications to enhance their skills and
knowledge.

8.ADVOCACY TRAINING: Provision of training on patient

advocacy, empowering nurses to effectively advocate for their
patients within the constraints of the healthcare system and
encouragement of nurses to participate in policy discussions to
advocate for improvements in healthcare resources.
9.LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Investment in leadership
development programs to empower nurses to take on
leadership roles within healthcare organization and cultivation
of supportive leadership culture that values and recognizes the
contributions of nursing staff.

10.FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING: Implementation of flexible

scheduling options to accommodate the diverse needs of
nursing staff. Alternative staffing models should be considered,
such as part-time or job-sharing arrangements.
By implementing these solutions, healthcare institutions
can work towards creating a more supportive and sustainable
environment for professional nursing practice, ultimately
enhancing the quality of patient care.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, professional nursing practice is a dynamic and
integral aspect of healthcare, demanding a commitment to
excellence, continuous learning, and compassionate patient
care. It combines technical expertise with ethical
considerations, effective communication, and a commitment to
lifelong learning, creating a holistic approach to patient care.
Continuous education, support systems, and a commitment to
the values of nursing are essential in overcoming the challenges
encountered in nursing practice and ensuring the delivery of
compassionate and effective healthcare. Despite the
challenges, nurses play a crucial role in shaping the future of
healthcare through their dedication to the core principles of
professional practice. However, nurses must navigate various
challenges, from time constraints to ethical dilemmas, as they
strive to uphold the principles that define their profession.