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Nursing practice

Delegation, prioritization, scope of practice and the working words of the profession.

handoff reportThe passing of information and responsibility for a client's care from one nurse or team to another.
health care providerThe licensed professional who diagnoses and prescribes for a client, such as a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
health care proxyA person a client chooses in a legal document to make health care decisions for them if they cannot decide for themselves.
health disparityA difference in health, illness or access to care between groups of people that is linked to social, economic or environmental disadvantage.
health equityA fair chance for every person to reach their best possible health.
health historyThe information about a client's past and present health that a nurse or provider gathers by asking questions.
health literacyA person's ability to find, understand and use health information to make decisions about their health.
health outcomeA change in a person's or a group's health that results from care, a program or other factors.
health promotionHelping people take actions that keep them well and improve their health.
health recordThe official, legal record of a client's health information and the care they receive.
Healthy People 2030The US government's set of national health goals and measurable targets for the years 2020 to 2030.
HIPAAThe Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a US law that protects the privacy of health information.
holistic careCare that looks after the whole person: body, mind, emotions, relationships and spiritual needs.
hospiceCare for people expected to live about six months or less, focused on comfort and quality of life rather than cure.
hospitalizationA stay in a hospital as an admitted client, or the act of being admitted to one.
HxA charting abbreviation for history, such as a client's medical history.