At Highland, our professional nurses are responsible for achieving and maintaining a current level of competency in nursing practice and are accountable for our actions and judgments.
Competency in nursing practice includes proficiency in technological skills, evidence-based practice and interpersonal skills, and incorporates Dr. Jean Watson’s “Ten Clinical Caritas Processes.”
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Practice of loving-kindness – We treat our patients as we would want our own families treated. We call families with updates on their loved ones and work diligently to assist our co-workers.
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Being authentically present, and enabling and sustaining the deep belief system – We take the time to hold a patient’s hand, listen to his or her concerns and offer reassurance.
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Cultivation of sensitivity (to self and others) – Members of our nursing team provide support to one another, helping us cope with difficult patient situations.
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Developing and sustaining a helping-trusting, authentic caring relationship – We involve our patients in their care and are open to their suggestions. Above all else, we focus on each patient’s daily needs.
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Opening and attending to spiritual dimensions of one's own life-death; soul care for self and the one being care for – We seek help from our chaplains to comfort our distressed and isolated patients.
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Promotion of interpersonal teaching-learning – As soon as a patient arrives on a floor/unit, our nursing staff discusses the normal daily routine with the patient and his or her family and develops a care plan.
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Creating a healing environment at all levels (physical and non-physical) – We keep the patient care space clean and free of clutter to promote consistency, comfort and dignity, as well as an aesthetically pleasing environment.
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Acceptance and support of positive and negative feelings – Our nurses sit with and listen to patients who are experiencing difficulties and find ways to communicate with them so they don’t feel isolated.
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Creative use of self and all ways of knowing as part of the caring process; to engage in the artistry of caring-healing practices – We routinely use touch to communicate with patients and families.
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Assistance with basic needs, with an intentional caring consciousness – We offer “human care essentials,” such as cots and sleeper chairs, as well as food and comfort, to families who wish to stay with their loved one.