Abstract
A myriad of sociocultural, political, organizational, and micro unit-level
systems comprise contexts in which the registered nurse (RN) role is defined, operationalized, and evaluated. This paper offers several systems-
focused perspectives for understanding the RN role and performance within and across systems of care. An organization-level systems approach highlights the interaction effect of the organizational design factors that link organizational structure to RN work. Another approach addresses one specific aspect of the RN role – delegation of nursing services – highlighting the regulatory and functional mechanisms that influence ways the RN role is operationalized. A micro-systems approach addresses specific RN practices associated with prevention of pressure
ulcers, and the unit-level interactions that facilitate and/or limit RN
knowledge, beliefs, and values associated with best practices. The knowledge
gained from applying systems-focused perspectives to understanding
the RN role provides critical insights and directions for interventions
aimed to maximize RN role effectiveness in long term care.
systems comprise contexts in which the registered nurse (RN) role is defined, operationalized, and evaluated. This paper offers several systems-
focused perspectives for understanding the RN role and performance within and across systems of care. An organization-level systems approach highlights the interaction effect of the organizational design factors that link organizational structure to RN work. Another approach addresses one specific aspect of the RN role – delegation of nursing services – highlighting the regulatory and functional mechanisms that influence ways the RN role is operationalized. A micro-systems approach addresses specific RN practices associated with prevention of pressure
ulcers, and the unit-level interactions that facilitate and/or limit RN
knowledge, beliefs, and values associated with best practices. The knowledge
gained from applying systems-focused perspectives to understanding
the RN role provides critical insights and directions for interventions
aimed to maximize RN role effectiveness in long term care.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 401 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Gerontologist |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue number | Supp 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2 Nov 2011 |