Which QSEN competency is the nurse demonstrating by using clinical data to improve outcomes?

The correct choice highlights the competency of Quality Improvement. This competency focuses on the use of data to enhance the quality of care provided to patients and improve healthcare outcomes. When nurses utilize clinical data, such as patient outcomes, error rates, or patient satisfaction scores, they are engaging in a systematic process to identify areas that need improvement and implement strategies to elevate the standards of care.

In Quality Improvement, nurses analyze data to spot trends, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and make informed decisions that lead to better patient outcomes. This approach emphasizes a continuous effort to refine processes, reduce errors, and enhance service delivery within the healthcare setting.

Other competencies, such as Patient-Centered Care, Safety, and Informatics, while important aspects of nursing, focus on different elements. Patient-centered care involves tailoring nursing actions to fit the individual needs and preferences of patients, Safety emphasizes minimizing risks and harm to patients, and Informatics relates to the effective use of technology and data management systems in nursing. However, the specific focus on using clinical data to improve outcomes uniquely aligns with the principles of Quality Improvement.