The role of the assessment nurse: one hospital's vision for meeting Joint Commission standards.

In evaluating the progress made during one year, it is clear that the position of assessment nurse has been an extremely valuable, effective role. The staff nurses' perception is that they not only understand the importance of the nursing process more thoroughly, but they also view the role of nursing administration as that of trying to help the registered professional nurse at the bedside. It is key in today's health care climate that the nursing administrator be visible. One method to assure visibility is for staff to actually see a role model serving as an extension of the nurse administrator. If nurse administrators truly value the importance of the nursing process, then they need to ensure that this message is being communicated throughout the entire nursing service organization. Such an innovative position can function as a liaison between nursing management and the staff. There is no better method of communicating this than having someone who visibly echoes the values of the nurse administrator. It also should be noted here that Shore Memorial Hospital's Nursing Division received a perfect Joint Commission survey evaluation in April 1990. The Nursing Division attributes this to the efforts made regarding implementation of the nursing process, and the forward thinking of a systems change with implementation of a computerized nursing information system that incorporates the nursing process with everyday documentation. Nurse administrators must effect change and demonstrate leadership within their respective organizations. Organizational change can be slow and difficult at times; however, the end result is worth the effort. It is important that the values of the nurse administrator be disseminated throughout the organization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)