Essentials 3
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND SAFETY
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Safety should be a number one concern for any nurse. APRNs are no exception to quality work done safely. COVID tested the healthcare community. Some are unsure how to manage the unpredictable nature of psychiatric patients and then you add a pandemic to the mix. Chaos can ensue. Our job is to help improve the view for staff and patients. This can be done with teaching tools or identifying risks for safety concerns and bringing it to the attention of management.
The APN Advocacy Role
APRNs have to wear many hats that differ from their well-known role as a registered nurse. One role that will never change is being an advocate. We are advocates for the safety and wellbeing of each patient. We provide them with security and confidence to allow themselves the ability to heal.
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Metabolic Syndrome in the Mental Health Patient
It is important to understand the effects that certain drugs will have on a person. People with mental illness are already at a deficit and adding certain antipsychotic drugs are known to increase their risk of heart disease and diabetes. An educated APRN will know to weigh risk versus benefit for each prescription written.