Journal of Nursing & Care

Nurses Must Knock Down Professional "Silos" and Create Quality, Safe and Effective Interprofessional Teams. From the Inside Looking Out: A Healthcare Providers Experience Being the Family Member

Abstract

Antoinette Towle

As healthcare providers, we like to think that the care we provide is always quality, safe, and patient-family centered. This article describes an experienced nurse practitioner’s recent acute care hospital experience as a wife sitting on the other side, watching their loved one receive care. This stressful eye opening experience forced a careful examination and assessment of what the patient and the family members really need to ensure quality and safe care. All nurses must take the lead, and listen closely to their patients and families. Be more than just their advocate; be the gatekeeper, knock down professional silos, unify and coordinate care, and most of all, ensure agreement and understanding between the patient, their family, and all team members.