Discuss two BSN Core Competencies and how they relate to your practice (give examples).

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has defined nine BSN core competencies that are vital for the practice of nursing. These include:

1. Leadership: Leadership is the competency that involves being able to manage, coordinate and advocate for patient care as well as promote positive changes within healthcare systems.

Leadership is a competency that’s essential in nursing to improve patient care and outcomes. Nursing professionals with strong leadership abilities can work well with inter-disciplinary teams, effectively communicate with family members and patients, and handle complex situations.

A nurse with strong leadership skills may identify ways to improve processes within their hospital or unit, for example by developing new protocol for the administration of medication or implementing guidelines based on evidence. They can also be advocates for their patients. This may include communicating with their healthcare team about their patient’s needs or promoting changes in policy or procedure that would improve the outcome of the patient.

2. Patient-Centered Caring: A competency in Patient-CenteredCaring is the ability of the individual to understand and respect their unique needs, preferences and needs. They can then provide the care based upon these preferences and needs.

It is vital to provide safe, personalized and effective care in the nursing profession. Patients-Centered Care is a competency that nurses must possess to provide safe, effective, and personalized care.

A nurse skilled in patient-centered treatment may, for example, work with a client who has multiple medical conditions and complex needs. The nurse may collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop a care plan that addresses the patient’s unique needs, preferences, and goals. The nurse can also work with family members and patients to make sure they understand the plan and offer emotional support.

The Leadership and Patient Centered Care Competencies are fundamental to nursing practice. Nursing practice is enhanced by nurses who have these skills. They are able to deliver safe, personalized and effective healthcare, as well as improve outcomes for patients.