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Ambiguity and Uncertainty in Nursing Practice

Nurses work in complex adaptive systems. Such systems are complex because their
working and outcomes are not based on individual behaviors and actions of personnel in the
systems but rather how they interact with each other (D’agata & McGrath, 2016). It is adaptive
because individuals have to reorganize their actions and practices to correspond to the
requirements of the system (D’agata & McGrath, 2016). Since it involves multiple systems and
professionals working together, a complex adaptive system can only work well when there is
proper communication and information flow among professionals working under it. Without
such communication, it creates uncertainty and ambiguity.
As an advanced practice nurse (APN), my major concern will be dealing with uncertainty
and ambiguity inherent in a complex adaptive system. The nature of the system means that on a
daily basis nurses have to deal with a lot of unknown situations. These situations are not just
related to patient tests, diagnosis and treatment, but also how to respond to their queries and
those of their families. This lack of certainty of what to anticipate in daily practice create
significant discomfort.
The problem of uncertainty and ambiguity primarily occurs at micro level of nursing
practice. As such, it can be solved through individual effort. My plan of solving this issue is
reading as much as possible to become knowledgeable in as many healthcare conditions as
possible. Such knowledge will help me to handle uncertain situations with high level of
confidence. In addition, I will learn how to be flexible and easily adapt to situations that are
unpredictable. Working to solve this problem will have a positive impact on the whole system
because it will minimize commitment of errors that may negatively impact patient care. Apart
from my own efforts, inter-professional collaboration can also help reduce the problem. This is

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because such collaboration allows information to be shared quickly thus making it easy for one
to deal with uncertain situations.

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References

D’Agata, A. L., & McGrath, J. M. (2016). A Framework of Complex Adaptive
Systems. Advances in Nursing Science, 39(3), 244-256.