Enrolled Nurse Practice Standards: Collaboration and Care Planning

The ‘NMBA Standards of practice for Enrolled Nurses’ are the core practice standards by which your performance may be assessed to retain your license to practice as an Enrolled Nurse in Australia.

Which domain and competency element in the NMBA Practice Standards specifically refers to the enrolled nurse working in collaboration with the registered nurse and other health professionals to obtain client health outcome through the development of care plans and multidisciplinary team input?

ANSWER

Enrolled Nurse Practice Standards: Collaboration and Care Planning

Introduction

In Australia, the NMBA (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) has established the core practice standards that govern the performance and assessment of Enrolled Nurses (ENs). These standards ensure the delivery of safe and competent nursing care. This essay aims to identify the specific domain and competency element within the NMBA Practice Standards that highlights the role of an Enrolled Nurse in collaborating with registered nurses and other healthcare professionals to develop care plans and incorporate multidisciplinary team input to achieve client health outcomes.

Collaboration and Care Planning in NMBA Practice Standards

Within the NMBA Practice Standards, the domain that encompasses collaboration with registered nurses and other health professionals is the “Collaborative and Therapeutic Practice” domain. This domain focuses on the Enrolled Nurse’s ability to work collaboratively to optimize patient care and health outcomes. The specific competency element in this domain that relates to the development of care plans and involvement of multidisciplinary teams is Competency Element 3.3.

Competency Element 3.3: Collaborative Practice for Care Planning and Multidisciplinary Team Input

Competency Element 3.3 in the NMBA Practice Standards highlights the importance of the Enrolled Nurse’s role in working collaboratively with registered nurses and other healthcare professionals to develop care plans and incorporate multidisciplinary team input. This element emphasizes the EN’s responsibility to actively participate in care planning discussions, contribute to the development of individualized care plans, and engage in ongoing communication with the multidisciplinary team.

Under Competency Element 3.3, Enrolled Nurses are expected to;

1. Collaborate with Registered Nurses: ENs work closely with registered nurses to obtain client health outcomes through collaborative care planning. This involves sharing relevant information, actively participating in care conferences, and contributing to the development of comprehensive care plans that address the individual needs of clients.

2. Engage in Multidisciplinary Team Input: ENs play a vital role in incorporating multidisciplinary team input into care planning. They collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, such as doctors, allied health practitioners, and social workers, to ensure a holistic approach to client care. This collaboration enables the integration of diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources to optimize health outcomes.

3. Contribute to Care Plan Development: ENs actively contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of care plans. They provide input based on their knowledge and understanding of the client’s condition and assist in setting realistic goals, identifying appropriate interventions, and monitoring progress. ENs also communicate any changes or updates to the care plan to the multidisciplinary team.

Conclusion

Within the NMBA Practice Standards, the domain of “Collaborative and Therapeutic Practice” and specifically Competency Element 3.3 emphasize the importance of Enrolled Nurses working collaboratively with registered nurses and other healthcare professionals to develop care plans and incorporate multidisciplinary team input. This competency element acknowledges the critical role of ENs in actively participating in care planning discussions, contributing to the development of individualized care plans, and engaging in ongoing communication with the multidisciplinary team. By adhering to these standards, Enrolled Nurses in Australia ensure the provision of high-quality, patient-centered care and contribute to achieving positive client health outcomes.