Promote an environment in which human rights, values, customs and spiritual beliefs of the person and family are respected.

Assignment Brief

Nursing Practice & Decision Making 1

Essay Structure

Introduction

An introduction generally need to answer these 3 questions.

• What? The introduction must begin by clearly explaining what the essay is about. This section needs to explain in your own words what is required in the assignment brief given above.
• How? The third part of the introduction need to outline how the essay is structured.
• Why? An introduction needs to articulate why the topic under consideration is of significance.

Background

1. Brief discussion of the theory of decision making (Learning Outcome 4).
2. Explain the significance and importance of this topic to nursing practice and/or your development as a student nurse (rationale) (Learning Outcome 4).
3. Set the scene for the case-study and offer a rationale offering evidence regarding the significance of the chosen case-study. (Learning Outcome 3).
4. Present a short summary highlighting the important points of the case study (if choosing a patient from practice, include more detailed information as an appendix. Remember to maintain patient confidentiality and remove any identifiable information throughout). (Learning Outcome 3).

Discussion

The main discussion of your work should demonstrate an understanding of clinical reasoning and decision-making processes applied to the following themes:

1. Discuss your approach to systematic, comprehensive and personalised holistic assessment of your case patient / service user that identify physical and / or mental and health problems (Learning Outcome 2). You need to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of common physical and mental health problems as well as possible co-morbidity, relevant to your chosen field of nursing practice (Adult / Child / LD / MH). You need to clearly undertake a detailed discussion of each of the needs you have identified (Learning Outcome 3).
2. Explore and discuss your interpretation and responses to the assessment(s) undertaken. You need to discuss your interpretation and responses to each of the needs identified in your assessment. You need to clearly discuss appropriate symptom management and a plan of on-going care for each of the needs identified. You must consider any signs of actual or potential deterioration of physical and/or mental health (Learning Outcome 5).
3. Discuss a plan of care required to address the identified needs. Your discussion need to demonstrate appropriate analysis and evaluation of evidence based interventions that use shared decision making with users, carers and other care professionals (Learning Outcome 4). In the discussion of your interventions you need to explore how the promotion of an environment in which human rights, values, customs and spiritual beliefs of the person and family are respected will be created and maintained (Learning Outcomes 1).

Conclusion

1. Summary, summarise the key learning points that have emerged from the essay.
2. Recommendations, you may want to identify what you need to learn or do in order to improve your knowledge and skills you have learnt through undertaking this essay

Sample Answer

A Holistic Nursing Approach to Decision Making and Person-Centred Care: A Case Study Analysis

Introduction

This essay focuses on the process of decision making in nursing practice, using a case study approach. The main aim is to explore how nurses assess and deliver care by applying a structured and personalised plan, using a holistic perspective. The assignment will demonstrate how nurses consider both physical and mental health issues, as well as the psychosocial and spiritual needs of the patient. The essay will also highlight the importance of shared decision making, evidence-based interventions, and recognising signs of health deterioration.

The essay is structured in three parts. First, it provides a background on decision-making theory and its relevance to nursing. Second, it discusses a specific case study, focusing on the holistic assessment of the patient and how the nurse responded to their needs. Third, it presents a conclusion and recommendations for future practice.

This topic is important because nurses are often the first point of contact for patients, and their decisions have a direct impact on the quality of care delivered. Understanding how to assess patients thoroughly and respond to their needs appropriately can improve outcomes and promote person-centred care.

Background

Decision making is a vital skill in nursing. Nurses often make quick yet informed decisions under pressure. Clinical decision making can be defined as the process of choosing the best course of action to provide safe and effective care (Thompson & Dowding, 2009). Benner’s model of novice to expert highlights that clinical decision making improves with experience and critical thinking.

This topic is relevant to nursing because it helps student nurses understand how to assess patients, consider all aspects of their health, and create a care plan that respects their individual needs and values. Making appropriate decisions, especially in complex cases, can reduce errors and improve patient satisfaction.

Case Study Summary: John, a 68-Year-Old Man with COPD and Anxiety

John is a retired bus driver admitted to hospital with worsening symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). He also has a history of generalised anxiety disorder, which worsens during hospital stays. John lives alone and recently lost his wife, which has affected his emotional wellbeing. He has trouble sleeping, experiences breathlessness, and has low appetite. His daughter visits occasionally, but he is mostly isolated.

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