The four core pillars of nursing are clinical practice, education, research, and leadership.
These four pillars are crucial in understanding the multifaceted roles and responsibilities that nurses undertake. Traditionally, these have been viewed as separate entities, but in reality, they often intersect and support one another.
Understanding the Four Pillars
Here's a breakdown of each core pillar:
- Clinical Practice: This involves the direct patient care provided by nurses, including assessment, intervention, and evaluation.
- Education: Nurses are continuously learning and educating others, including patients, families, and colleagues. This pillar encompasses both formal education and ongoing professional development.
- Research: Nursing research aims to improve patient outcomes and advance the profession through evidence-based practice. Nurses engage in research by participating in studies, implementing findings, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
- Leadership: Nurses exhibit leadership at all levels, from bedside care to executive roles. This includes advocating for patients, mentoring colleagues, and influencing healthcare policy.
According to the reference, previously these pillars were illustrated as separate entities, leading to the perception that nurses only utilize one pillar at a time. However, in practice, these pillars are interconnected and often used in combination within a nurse's role.
