Final answer:
Clinical decision making in nursing involves establishing criteria and weighing options for the best therapy, influenced by care ethics and requiring collaboration and compassion. It considers ethical and cultural values and requires an understanding of individualized patient needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clinical decision making requires the nurse to establish and weigh criteria in deciding the best choice of therapy for a patient. This process involves a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition, clinical expertise, and the application of ethical principles like autonomy and beneficence. In clinical settings, doctors may traditionally hold more authority, but the collaboration and input from nurses are vital for patient-centered care. Nurses must also adhere to care ethics which emphasize compassion, understanding, and shared decision-making. The challenge nurses face is to make informed decisions that improve patient outcomes based on a thorough assessment of each unique situation.
When making health decisions, not only medical evidence but also ethical and cultural values need to be considered. For example, medical anthropologists use health decision-making analysis to understand how cultural, economic, and social factors influence healthcare choices. Nurses often work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, focusing on actions like monitoring vital signs during procedures such as dialysis treatments, and they are expected to deliver care that meets the individual needs of patients.
Moreover, initiatives like Theatre in Health Education and standardized patient programs aim to enhance healthcare professionals' empathy and bedside manner, reaffirming the importance of both technical skills and interpersonal connections in healthcare practice.