International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2013): 6.14 | Impact Factor (2013): 4.438 Volume 4 Issue 3, March 2015 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Knowledge and Practices regarding Advanced Patient Care among Staff Nurses Working in a Tertiary Care Hospital K. Lalrindiki 1 , Mahadeo B. Shinde 2 , Tukaram Zagade 3 , Mohite V. R. 4 1 Final Year MSc (N) Student, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed University‟s, Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences, Karad 2,3 Professor, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed University‟s, Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences, Karad 4 Principal, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed University‟s, Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences, Karad Abstract: The nursing profession has been touted as a way of improving quality of health care. Objectives : To assess the knowledge and practices of advanced patient care, correlation between knowledge and practice among staff nurses working in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology : Descriptive survey approach with purposive sampling technique on 50 staff nurses working Krishna hospital Karad. Self administered questionnaire and structured observational checklist was used to collect data. Results : The results revealed that majority 58 % of subjects were having average knowledge, and 56% had average practices, There is a positive correlation between knowledge and practices among staff nurses. CONCLUSION-Nurses knowledge and practice may be enhanced through progressive broadening of the scope of the patient care role, fostering the nurse quality controller and educator role, and addressing barriers to role enhancement, such as organizational inexperience with interprofessional work and lack of a career structure. Keywords: Knowledge, practices, advanced patient care, staff nurses, tertiary care hospital. 1. Introduction The nursing profession requires increasing competence of its practitioners at all levels because nursing practice at an advanced level for the pursuit of health care is expected throughout society. Nursing practice-based competence must be emphasized and assessed among nurses. Zhang et al. defined competence as a person‟s capacity to meet a job‟s requirements by producing quality outcomes[1]. According to Parsons, competence implies knowledge and the skills required in a profession, while also presuming the ability to apply that knowledge and those skills. Therefore, competence goes beyond simple knowing; it requires doing[2]. Competence in an actual practice is not the same as simply fulfilling educational requirements or maintaining a nursing license[3]. Competence requires an up to date knowledge base and is manifested by demonstrating the ability to achieve desired outcomes through the performance of desired skills[4]. Nurses are increasingly extending and expanding their scope of practice beyond initial registration in all health care settings. In areas such as general practice and community health, acute care, sexual health and mental health, nurses are now commonly working at an advanced practice level[5]. In every clinical care environment — hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory care centers — nurses nearly always have the closest relationship with patients. They are the front-line providers who monitor and meet patient needs; they are the information conduit from patient to physician; and they are the dogged patient advocate who lobbies for both patient and family. Nurses‟ contributions to care coordination have long been a core professional standard and competency for nurses. It is what nurses do and have always done[6]. Whether developing care plans guided by patients' needs and preferences, educating patients and their families at discharge, doing their best to facilitate continuity of care for patients, nurses need know what proven techniques and interventions they can use to enhance patient outcomes. The nurse is expected to be able to perform advanced health assessments and in possession of decision-making and diagnostic reasoning skill and possesses advanced clinical skills. The nurses apply the knowledge and skills appropriate to their level of responsibility[5] . Therefore, nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and achieve higher levels of training and should be full partners, with physicians and other health care professionals, to provide quality care[6]. 2. Review of Literature Learning is the addition of new knowledge and experience Interpreted in the light of past knowledge and experience. Teaching and learning is an integral part of nursing. Nurses have the responsibility to educate patients related to various aspects and keep themselves updated. Various teaching strategies are used to increase knowledge, such as lecturing, demonstration, discussion and self-education. These methods of self-education has an advantage over the others as the learner can educate himself at his own pace and it also stresses on rereading [7]. Review of literature related to education programme Kadam,A.(2014) found that Structured education programme was highly effective to improve the knowledge score and to improve the attitude score of subjects/ caregiver towards colostomy care of patient [9]. Anjum, S.(2014)conducted study to assess knowledge of contraceptives methods and appraisal of health education among married women and concluded After the health education married women knowledge was improved to 100% about female sterilization followed by condom 99%, skin implants 86%, oral pills 85% Paper ID: SUB152090 590