Proactive Nursing: A Concept Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify a clear definition of proactive nursing and to elucidate the essence of proactive nursing required in the current healthcare context. Methods: A concept analysis using Walker and Avant’s approach was conducted. Results: The defining attributes of proactive nursing included surveilling to surface problems, employing practices beyond the established protocols, tailoring a path toward the care goal, and arranging resources in advance. The antecedents were that nurses have their own theoretical and experiential knowledge, possess a professional identity, understand clients’ status, and have accessible resources. The consequences arising from proactive nursing were ensuring client safety, achieving the care goals efficiently, and improving nurses’ job satisfaction. Through this concept analysis, proactive nursing was defined as taking the initiative for practices during the care process that utilize creative methods and taking advantage of various resources to identify or solve implicit problems of clients. Conclusion: This concept analysis provided a clear meaning structure for proactive nursing, enabling a better understanding and communication of the concept within the nursing discipline. A clear definition of proactive nursing would lead nurses to practice in a more proactive way in the current healthcare system, resulting in improved quality of care and greater safety for clients.