NR 500 NP Week 3 Reflection the Importance of Person-Centered Care in Healthcare

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-500: Foundational Concepts & Applications

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

Person-centered care is a foundational concept in healthcare that extends beyond the field of nursing to touch every aspect of patient interaction. Throughout my Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, as well as during my time working in various hospitals, the importance of this approach has been emphasized repeatedly. However, I have come to understand that the actual capacity to deliver person-centered care can vary significantly depending on the healthcare environment. This variation can be particularly seen when comparing the experiences of healthcare providers in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the Emergency Department (ED).

In the ICU, nurse-to-patient ratios are generally lower, often ranging from one-to-one to two-to-one, and only occasionally reaching three-to-one depending on the acuity levels of patients. High-acuity patients require these lower ratios to ensure that nurses can adequately assess and address each patient’s needs. Conversely, when patients begin transitioning out of high acuity, they may move to an intermediate care setting, where nurses may take on an additional one or two patients. Despite an increase in patient load, the ratios remain within a manageable range, allowing for the delivery of person-centered care. Providers in the ICU setting, therefore, have the opportunity to devote more time to each patient and their families, enabling a more personalized approach to care.

NR 500 NP Week 3 Reflection the Importance of Person-Centered Care in Healthcare

By contrast, the Emergency Department generally operates with a higher provider-to-patient ratio, typically four-to-one. Although my experience shows that this ratio seldom exceeds four-to-one, there are instances where it may drop to three-to-one. In the ED, providers often find themselves attending to multiple critically ill patients simultaneously, which limits the time they can spend with each individual. In this fast-paced environment, the primary focus is on fulfilling physicians’ orders, continually assessing and stabilizing patients, and ensuring their transfer to the appropriate units. Although I find the intensity of emergency care stimulating, I am aware of the increased demands on ED providers over the years, which can compromise the ability to deliver person-centered care.

Experiences in Person-Centered Care: ICU and ED Comparison

Category	ICU	Emergency Department
Nurse-to-Patient Ratios	Typically one-to-one or two-to-one, occasionally three-to-one, based on patient acuity	Typically four-to-one, sometimes three-to-one, with limited time for each patient
Focus and Approach	Allows for personalized, patient and family-centered care with more time for each patient	Primarily focused on stabilizing and transferring patients with limited focus on person-centered care
Challenges	Manageable ratios even with increased patient load, supporting person-centered care	High demand and patient load, reduced focus on person-centered care due to emergency priorities

NR 500 NP Week 3 Reflection on the Importance of Person-Centered Care in Healthcare

Reflecting on my early experiences in the ED, I recall that our patient cases sometimes included less acute conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections or common colds. These cases have become increasingly prevalent, often overshadowing critical emergency cases. As a result, providers frequently encounter situations where they must manage both lower- and higher-acuity patients. This uneven distribution of cases can strain providers and reduce their ability to deliver person-centered care. The focus on acute stabilization in the ED often deprioritizes the long-term, personalized care seen in other hospital units. Nevertheless, as I advance toward becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), I remain committed to incorporating person-centered care into my practice. This commitment will be challenging, particularly in the ED context, but I believe that emphasizing person-centered care will enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.

NR 500 NP Week 3 Reflection the Importance of Person-Centered Care in Healthcare

In recent years, hospitals have implemented post-discharge satisfaction surveys to gauge patients’ experiences. Consistently, the ED has received some of the lowest scores in hospitals where I have worked. Patients frequently cite extended wait times and insufficient time with providers as areas of dissatisfaction. I have raised this issue with management on multiple occasions, though the response has been the same: budget constraints prevent adding additional nurses to reduce ratios, and adjusting ratios based on acuity would require even more staffing. As I step into my role as an FNP, I hope to have a greater capacity to advocate for changes that align patient acuity levels with provider ratios to facilitate person-centered care for all patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, person-centered care remains a vital component of effective healthcare delivery. While its value is universally acknowledged, the implementation of person-centered care can vary considerably depending on the healthcare setting. Addressing the unique challenges in the ED, where high patient volumes and acuity levels can create obstacles to personalized care, will be essential in improving patient satisfaction and overall outcomes. As I progress in my career, I am determined to advocate for improvements in staffing and patient care models to ensure person-centered care becomes a standard across all departments.