All about NACB
Before the name was changed to The Nurses' Association of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in 1973, what was it originally called? What year was this organization established?
The Bahamas Graduate Nurses Association, and it was established in 1947.
Nursing research is significant to the NACB. Explain its significance.
Nursing research is important because the patient would immediately benefit as the findings would facilitate a more efficient and effective nursing care, improve chronically ill patients' quality of life and encourage healthy living.
What was stated in NACB affiliate, Marcel Johnson's, 2018 report?
According to Marcel Johnson, director of nursing, "The Bahamas' health care system has a dire need for 528 registered nurses and 140 trained clinical nurses."
What is one nursing theory that can be applied to the NACB and who created this theory?
"The Helping Art of Clinical Nursing" is a theory that can be applied to the NACB. It was created by Earnestine Wiedenbach.
What would be the primary recommendation for the Nurses Association?
The primary recommendation would be to find strategies to maintain nurses in the workforce.
What are the most significant achievements of the early NACB?
- Implementation of 8-hour shift
- Creating linkages between nurses and other health care professions
How does the NACB improve the economic and social welfare of nurses?
The NACB lobbies on issues that the nurses face such as economic disparities and unfair treatment. This would affect public policy and legislation.
According to Bahamas Nursing Solutions, an estimate of how many graduate nurses leave the Bahamas to work internationally?
About 70% of graduate nurses go international
What is meant by the theory - "The Helping Art of Clinical Nursing" and what elements does it entail?
This theory states that "nursing is both a science and art; nursing is providing nurturing care to the patients". The elements of this theory include philosophy, a purpose, and an art.
List some reasons why there is a shortage of nurses?
-A mass exodus of nurses to foreign countries
-Work overload
-Lack of proper facilities
-Underpaid
-Lack of recognition
Where is the NACB located, and who is the current president?
Longley House on Dowdeswell Street & Colebrooke Lane and the current president is Rebecca Johnson.
How does the NACB act as an advocate for nurses?
The NACB would advocate on nurses' behalfs in case of litigations. Also, the NACB acts as the spokesperson for nurses nationally, regionally and internationally.
The shortage of nurses is both a national and international issue. By 2020, what does the WHO predict about this pressing problem?
"There are approximately 29 million nurses and midwives in the world with 3.9 million of those individuals in the United States. Estimates of upwards 1 million additional nurses will be needed by 2020."
What is the importance of nurses having a philosophy?
Having a philosophy as a nurse is vital to staying disciplined and professional in your nursing practice. It guides your actions and influences your decisions when caring for patients. This ensures that "all persons regardless of nationality, race, color, and social origins receive optimal care" which is part of NACB's mission.
List some strategies that can be used to maintain nurses in the workforce.
-The work environment should be comfortable and hazardous free to provide the best possible care
-There should be sufficient materials and equipment to provide individualized care
-Hire more nurses to reduce workload strain on the present staff
-Provide incentives and recognition that will encourage nurses to stay
What is the NACB's mission statement?
"To promote the highest possible standard of nursing practice, encourage professional and educational advancement for nurses, and to ensure that all people irrespective of nationality, race, color or social origin may have optimal nursing care."
Nursing is a field that requires teamwork. How does the NACB promote teamwork?
The NACB plays a significant role in maintaining relationships among its members along with its national, regional and international affiliates. Some efforts in promoting relationships among nurses include The Nursing Now movement.
What is meant by the term turnover rate? What is the estimated turnover rate for nurses in the Bahamas, according to Bahamas Nursing Solutions?
The term turnover rate refers to the number of nurses leaving in a certain period of time versus the number of nurses being hired during that period. The national turnover rate average is 8.8% to 37% in the Bahamas
What is the importance of nurses having a purpose?
A nurse with a purpose would strive to be skilled and proficient in his/her task and will develop an individual sense of purpose to make a difference in every patient's life. One of the NACB's objectives is to "stimulate and encourage proficiency among nurses."
Why is a low patient to nurse ratio important?
-Less strain on the nurse
-The risk for mortality rate is lower
-There is a lower chance for medical errors
What is the importance of "the art" in Wiedenbach's theory to nurses?
Nursing as an art enhances the ability to feel, sense, know and perceive care delivery in a manner that demonstrates their mastery of the field's practices. This is an important objective of the NACB as they strive "to enunciate standards of nursing and promote their implementation."