The delivery of nursing care to children at Miami Children's Hospital is guided by principles of Family-Centered Care. The Nursing Department believes that each child is unique and an integral part of a family unit. Families are involved throughout the course of their child's care and are considered valued partners in care delivery. At all times, the delivery of patient care ensures respect for the dignity, values, religious and cultural beliefs of children and families.
We believe that Nursing is both an art and a science, incorporating many aspects of care, including the physical, developmental, emotional, social, psychological, cultural, and spiritual. It is based on current and relevant research, and evidence-based practice incorporating planning, education, and a spirit of caring. Enhancing critical thinking skills are a pre-requisite to continuously improving and providing patient care. Nursing Care at Miami Children's Hospital is provided in a manner that encourages respect and professional responsibility, celebrates diversity, promotes spirituality, and adheres to ethical standards. Excellence in nursing practice is the goal of each interaction with children and their families. Miami Children's Hospital nurses exhibit a caring and respectful attitude toward each other and incorporate excellence and professionalism into their daily care, long-range planning and continuous improvement projects.
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 collaboration within the continuum of care, emphasizing the patient and the family as the central element in the process. Collaboration is internally and across the disciplines within the organization and with 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 of The Organization where creativity, perseverance and participation are paramount. The Nursing Department establishes position statements and standards of practice in alignment with the ANA and Society of Pediatric Nurses. Assuring safety is principal in the delivery of quality patient care. Measures to assure safety are promoted and supported by technology such as Bar Coding for Medication Safety and wireless phones which connect the patient or doctor directly to their nurse. Ownership of the processes which promote patient safety and educational components based on the JCAHO National Patient Safety Goals is fundamental for all staff. We are committed to excellence in practice through nursing autonomy and the utilization of critical thinking. 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 MCH'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 Miami Children's Hospital embraces professionalism, collaboration and accountability of students and staff. 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 Miami 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 Miami 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.