Inpatient practice. An integrated framework.

A framework for practice that integrates nursing concepts and processes with system concepts has distinct advantages. Nursing concepts provide direction for nursing care; the nursing process provides the structure in which nursing care is delivered and evaluated. Application of system concepts enables the CNS to navigate and negotiate the larger institutional context. Inpatient practice is not just the delivery of quality patient care; it also involves managing the system so it is possible to deliver care. An integrated framework has been offered as a guide to inpatient practice. Although further use and testing are indicated, so far it has proved useful in the practice of a CNS.