What is nursing audit?

A nursing audit is a systematic review and evaluation of the nursing care provided to patients. It is performed to identify areas where nursing care can be improved, to ensure that nurses are meeting the standards of practice, and to identify areas where costs can be reduced.

Nursing audits can be conducted by internal auditors, external auditors, or a combination of both. Internal audits are conducted by nurses within the hospital or healthcare system, while external audits are conducted by nurses from outside the hospital or healthcare system.

The scope of a nursing audit can vary depending on the needs of the organization. However, nursing audits typically include the following components:

* A review of nursing documentation, such as patient charts and nurses' notes

* Observation of nursing care being provided

* Interviews with nurses, patients, and other members of the healthcare team

* A review of data related to nursing care, such as patient satisfaction scores, infection rates, and falls

The findings of a nursing audit are typically used to develop plans to improve nursing care. These plans may include changes to nursing policies and procedures, additional training for nurses, and the implementation of new nursing programs.

Nursing audits are an important tool for ensuring that nurses are providing high-quality care to patients. By identifying areas where nursing care can be improved, nursing audits help to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.