Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Angèle C. Wright
evidence-based clinical nursing practice in order to effectively serve patients and their families
throughout the age continuum in a variety of healthcare settings (AACN, p. 31). The
baccalaureate trained nurse must use every weapon within his or her arsenal of skills to provide
appropriate and safe care, advocacy, and health promoting education to the members of society
placed in his or her charge; especially to those who are vulnerable, suffer from a chronic illness
or disability, or part of the growing older adult population. In addition, the baccalaureate trained
nurse must be well versed in the different cultures and religions, and must be able to infuse it
into his or her clinical practice in order to accurately and effectually treat patients; regardless of
the patient’s gender, sexual orientation, race and creed, religious or ethnic background.
Exemplar
inclusive health assessment that outlines the chosen patient’s history; thereby allowing the
patient and the nurse to collectively gather the patient’s spiritual, physical, medical/surgical, and
nutritional, ethic, and family backgrounds in a systematic manner. The nursing student can then
use the information gleaned as a foundation to develop a nursing care plan that will effectively
maximize the patient’s potential for positive outcomes. This exhaustive process will also
encourage the nursing student to not only to see their patient as an individual, but urge the
nursing student to provide the kind of holistic and comprehensive care that is hallmark to the
nursing profession.
Reflection
Exemplar IX Page 3
The comprehensive health assessment assignment provides the nursing student with a
and global health assessment when assuming care of a patient. The comprehensive health
assessment gives the nursing student a better understanding of the patient’s wishes by allowing
the patient and his or her family to effectively communicate the patient’s history and concerns to
the nurse. With this clarification, the nursing student is able to deliver compassionate care that
accurately addresses the patient’s needs in a manner that is engaging and empowering to both the
patient and their family. This aspect is especially important when caring for a patient who may
suffer from a chronic ailment and has to be an active participant in their care plans or someone
whose spiritual beliefs may oppose certain protocols that are typically used to achieve positive
outcomes. It is imperative that baccalaureate trained nurse understand every aspect of their
patient, so they can effectively, respectfully, and holistically treat the individual; not just the
The comprehensive health assessment can also expose the baccalaureate trained nurse to
complementary and alternative treatments that may bring the patient just as much comfort as a
traditional intervention. These revelations not only allows the baccalaureate trained nurse to
focus his or her attention on the patient’s needs; but can also identify any hidden or unknown
biases that the nurse may unwittingly hold. As the nurse gains a better understanding of diverse
customs and practices, he or she is able to appropriately and quickly incorporate them into his or
her clinical practice when necessary; which will allow them to plan and implement appropriate
interventions within an environment that is safe and conducive to healing for the patient.
Exemplar IX Page 4
References
resources/BaccEssentials08.pdf.
Estes, M.E. (2014). Health assessment and physical examination. (5th Ed.). Clifton Park, NY:
Delmar