160 6.6 Key Points

Key Takeaways

• Collaborative practice models in LTC include key elements such as responsibility / accountability, coordination, communication, cooperation, assertiveness, autonomy, mutual trust and respect.

   

• Establishing role clarity, scope of practice and professional responsibilities within the interprofessional team is important to support a collaborative practice, prevent duplication of service and provide optimal, safe, resident-centered care.

   

• Potential barriers for achieving NP role clarity include the NP role constantly evolving, practice overlaps with physicians and nursing, varying scopes of practice for NPs, the LTC homes level of experience working with NPs and lack of acceptance by other HCPs.

   

• NPs and other LTC home staff must develop and maintain conflict management and mediation skills to prevent conflict escalation and  hostility/toxicity within the workplace. Relationship building with the team is an essential component in NP role integration.

   

• Effective communication with resident/SDM/family and caregiver is essential to the delivery of safe resident care by the interdisciplinary team.

   

• Knowledge translation supports moving knowledge into practice by making complicated research easier to understand and use.

   

• Orienting new NPs into LTC practice includes modelling, encouraging, nurturing, teaching, opportunity seeking & relationship building.

   

• Joining networks and associations representing LTC, professional nursing organizations and Communities of Practice can support NP practice, professional development and career advancement.