Every health care provider has a role in improving the system and the lives of our patients. None of us can do it single-handedly; none of us has all the skills (or time) to do it all, much though we try. Capitalizing on the knowledge and talents of all the players on the health care team is vital to the success of the new health care system.
Each member of the team has a responsibility as a provider in the system to improve health care access and quality and to control cost—concepts that are central to helping patients progress from their injury or illness to recovery. They are also the key outcomes measures that will inform educational, organizational, and health policy as we move forward on this journey of improving the health care system. Moreover, these outcomes are now, and will continue to be, the benchmarks that influence reimbursement for our services—and, perhaps more importantly, our scopes of practice.
After more years as a nurse/NP than I care to admit, I know what I don’t know. I also know to whom I can turn for guidance: my “other right hand,” as I call them. I have never hesitated to call on them to brainstorm or assist in caring for my patients. And I never will.
What about you? Share your experiences with other members of your health care team by sending a note to NPEditor@frontline medcom.com.
Reference
1. Association of Schools of Allied Health Professionals. www.asahp.org/definition.htm. Accessed October 17, 2013.