Nurses graduate from educational programs with nursing degrees. They also register with state boards to receive a license to practice nursing in their state. The scope of a nursing license is decided by the state’s nurse practice act. But the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) defines the professional practice model as the driving force of nursing care within an organization. It is a graphical representation of how nurses deliver care, develop professionally, and collaborate effectively (2021). Slayter and colleagues (2016) note that a professional practice model should enable the nurse to envision how nursing practice aligns with the strategic vision and mission of the organization. It should also outline the structures and processes that provide the support for nurses to oversee their practice and the care provided to the patient. The care delivery model, which depicts the philosophy of care, is usually incorporated into the professional practice model also.
In July 2020, the nursing shared governance councils began the process to revise the UAMS Professional Practice Model. They started with an activity to establish the core values of nurses at UAMS, which were determined to be professionalism, knowledge, compassion, and empathy. Then the council reviewed the care delivery model, which is patient and family centered care through collaborative teamwork. As nursing is supported by the framework of nursing excellence, the domains from the ANCC Magnet Model were incorporated to show the principles at work within UAMS. Council members were asked to submit illustrations showing the alignment and integration of nursing practice with the UAMS mission, vision, and values. Multiple graphic designs were submitted and categorized according to theme. The council was then asked to vote on the theme of the graphic and a heart-theme was selected. The Center for Nursing Excellence worked with creative services to produce a professional practice model with the vision put forth by the council. In August, the brand new UAMS Nursing Professional Practice Model was debuted at the council meeting and later shared in the Annual State of Nursing Address.
The UAMS Professional Practice Model is a graphical representation of what nursing is all about at UAMS. Our mission is to deliver safe, high-quality, patient-family centered care through interprofessional relationships. We carry out this heart-felt mission with professionalism, knowledge, and compassion. And we do so with the organizational support of the principles of excellence. This leads to Nursing for a Better State of Health.
American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition Program. 2021. 2023 Magnet Application Manual. American Nurses Association Enterprise.
Slater, S., Coventry, L. L., Twigg, D., & Davis. S. (2016). Professional practice models for nursing: A review of the literature and synthesis of key components. Journal of Nursing Management, 24, 139-150.
