Philosophy of Care

The philosophy of the Nursing Department upholds the same core principles of patient and family centered care:

“The delivery of nursing care is guided by comfort care principles and family centered care. The nursing department believes that each patient is a unique and integral part of the family unit. The delivery of patient care ensures respect for the dignity, values, religious and cultural needs of our children and families.”

All aspects of nursing care at Nicklaus Children's Hospital revolve around the concept of incorporating the parent and child’s needs into the care of the child. Nicklaus Children's Hospital recognizes that supporting the needs of patient, family and caregivers facilitates their involvement in the planning and delivery of care. One example of supporting the needs of the family is the construction of the Michael Fux Family Center (MFFC), a family friendly campus enhancement at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. This beautiful and welcoming facility, which opened in October 2009, is designed for the comfort and care of families as they transition through the difficulties of caring for a sick child. To ensure that the patient and his or her support system is involved in the planning and delivery of care, the MFC has access to computers for family use which link to the patient and family educational “Get Well Network”. Families with children in the ICUs which do not have bedside access to the network can access it there. The Micheal Fux Center has various other family friendly amenities from basic comforts, such as showers and laundry facilities, to stress relievers including a workout gym, massage room, family entertainment facilities and a movie theater.

The Nursing Department has adopted Dr. Katharine Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory as its conceptual framework and foundation for the Nursing Professional Practice Model (PPM). The Comfort Theory is embedded throughout the PPM reinforcing the framework for nursing practice is continuously supporting an environment and culture of comfort.

The Nursing mission statement to “provide compassion and comfort through innovative advanced care for our children and families” and vision “we will be where the children are, providing comfort through exceptional nursing care” demonstrate the Nursing Department’s commitment to the Comfort Theory as the conceptual framework for the Nursing PPM.

Collaboration within the Continuum

Collaboration is a core element to care delivery and is incorporated into all components of Nursing within the organization. The nursing department believes in interprofessional collaboration within the continuum of care, emphasizing the patient and the family as the central element in the process. Collaboration across other healthcare professionals with similar purposes, such as, child health advocates, organizations at the local, regional, state, national, and international levels. Advancing the art and science of pediatric nursing, occurs through interactive efforts among all nurses in clinical practice, education, research, and administrative.

Quality and Continuous Improvement

The focus on patient quality and outcome measurements of continuous improvement is integrated into nursing practice and in the foundation for improving patient outcomes. It is a core concept where creativity, perseverance and participation are paramount. The nursing department establishes position statements and standards of practice in alignment with the American Nurses Association (ANA) and Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN). Assuring safety is principal in the delivery of quality patient care. We encourage creativity, team work, and patient advocacy in achieving optimal outcomes for each individual and family. Our scope of practice extends beyond the walls of the institution into the community, through Nicklaus Children's Hospital's commitment to the promotion of health and wellness.

Child and Family Advocacy

Each nurse is an advocate for the child and family, and promotes the utilization of resources for the individual needs of the child and their family. In addition, nurses advocate accessible, affordable, comprehensive healthcare services for children and their families.

Preserving Dignity

Preserving the dignity and privacy of children and families is the focus of Family-Centered Care. Respect is an integral component of care delivery. 

Embracing Diversity

The nursing staff honors and respects patients and families they serve as well as their colleagues. Patients and families come from all over the world to receive care in a Family-Centered Care environment. Excellent care is provided, honoring cultural beliefs, values, religious beliefs and diverse backgrounds. 

Professional Growth

Professional growth is encouraged and integrated into all aspects of nursing practice including participation in professional organizations, encouraging education, certification, research utilization and evidence-based practice. The culture at Nicklaus Children's Hospital embraces professionalism, collaboration and accountability. The organization believes that a clinical learning environment for students and staff is conducive to the continuing development and practice of excellence in patient care.
The goal of excellence is at the core of nursing at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. Each person is encouraged to achieve their best, as a personal commitment, as well as a commitment to the children and the families who come to Nicklaus Children's Hospital for care.
 

References:

Statement on the Scope and Standards of Pediatric Nursing Practice. Society of Pediatric Nurses. 2003.

Society of Pediatric Nursesand American Nurses Association. Family-Centered Care: Putting It Into Action 2003.

American Nurses Association (ANA). Nursing Administration: Scope and Standard of Practice. January 2003.

http://www.pedsnurses.org. Nov. 2002.

Hallstrom, I. Dr. med sci, RN, RSCN, Runesson, I., RN, RSCN and Elander, G. Dr. med sci, RN, RSCN. (2002). Observed Parental Needs During Their Child's Hospitalization. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, Vol. 17, No. 2, April. pp. 140-148.

Ahmann, E. & Johnson, BH. (2001). Family matters: New guidance materials promote family-centered change in health care institutions. Pediatric Nursing, 27 (2), 173-175.

Ahmann, E. & Johnson, BH. (2000). Family matters: Family-centered care: Facing the new millennium. Pediatric Nursing, 26 (1), 87-90.

American Nurses Association. Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Professional Development 2000.

Gordin, P. & Johnson, BH. (1999). Technology and family-centered perinatal care: conflict or synergy? JOGNN - Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, Neonatal Nursing, 28 (4), 401-8.

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