Class 521 Week 5 Due 08/05/2020 References Complete

Class 521 Week 5apadue 08052020referencescomplete

Complete your Week 5 required discussion prompts. Discussion Prompt #1 Specifically define the role of the registered nurse in patient advocacy. Describe situations in which nursing advocacy can assist patients within the healthcare environment. Defend why nurses are, or are not, adequately prepared, in prelicensure education, to act as patient advocates. Discussion Prompt #2 The ANA Code of Ethics currently emphasizes the word "patient" instead of the word "client" in referring to nursing care recipients. Do you agree with this change? Why or why not? Review the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements found in Appendix B of your Butts text. The COSO framework of internal controls is practiced within companies around the world. The objectives of the COSO framework are closely related to its five components. For this week’s activity, please discuss these five components of the COSO framework. Be sure to include each components’ impact on each of the COSO framework objectives. What do you feel an auditor would most be concerned with during an IT audit? Lastly, discuss suggestions for integrating COSO framework compliance into a company in which you are familiar. Your paper should meet the following requirements: • Be approximately four to six pages in length, not including the required cover page and reference page. • Follow APA7 guidelines. Your paper should include an introduction, a body with fully developed content, and a conclusion. • Support your answers with the readings from the course and at least two scholarly journal articles to support your positions, claims, and observations, in addition to your textbook. • Be clearly and well-written, concise, and logical, using excellent grammar and style techniques. You are being graded in part on the quality of your writing.

Paper For Above instruction

The Role of Registered Nurses in Patient Advocacy and the Impact of the COSO Framework on Organizational Controls

Introduction

In contemporary healthcare, registered nurses (RNs) play a pivotal role in ensuring patient-centered care through effective advocacy. Their position within the healthcare hierarchy provides them with unique opportunities to influence patient outcomes positively. Simultaneously, organizations across industries, including healthcare, adopt comprehensive control frameworks like COSO to enhance internal control systems, especially in information technology (IT). This paper explores the vital role of RNs in patient advocacy, examines the ethical language shift from “client” to “patient” in the ANA Code of Ethics, and discusses the five components of the COSO framework with an emphasis on their application within organizations. Finally, it offers suggestions for integrating COSO compliance into organizations based on practical insights.

The Role of Registered Nurses in Patient Advocacy

Registered nurses serve as primary advocates for patients, representing their needs, preferences, and rights within the healthcare environment. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), patient advocacy involves safeguarding patient autonomy, ensuring informed decision-making, and defending against potential harm (ANA, 2015). For example, an RN might intervene when a patient is unable to communicate effectively or when healthcare providers’ recommendations conflict with patient values. In such scenarios, advocacy ensures that patients’ voices are heard and their rights protected. Advocacy also extends to addressing disparities in healthcare access and quality, particularly for vulnerable populations (Taylor et al., 2019).

Prelicensure education prepares nurses for advocacy by imparting knowledge of ethical principles, communication skills, and understanding of healthcare policies. However, critics argue that while foundational training emphasizes advocacy, experiential learning and mentorship are crucial for developing these skills fully (Benner, 1984). Evidence suggests that new graduates often feel underprepared to advocate effectively due to limited clinical exposure or lack of confidence (Mezey et al., 2019). Therefore, ongoing education and practical experiences are essential to equip nurses with the competencies necessary for robust patient advocacy.

Language Use in the ANA Code of Ethics

The ANA’s decision to consistently use the term “patient” rather than “client” underscores a commitment to a more therapeutic and relationship-centered approach in nursing practice. The term “patient” emphasizes a clinical relationship focused on healing and care, whereas “client” might imply a commercial or transactional dynamic (ANA, 2015). I agree with this linguistic shift because it aligns with the nursing profession’s foundational values of compassion, trust, and holistic care. By emphasizing “patient,” nurses affirm their role in advocating for individuals experiencing illness or injury, fostering a sense of trust and continuity in care (Butts & Rich, 2020). Conversely, some argue that “client” could promote a more collaborative and empowered relationship; however, the prevailing consensus favors “patient” for clarity and professionalism.

The COSO Framework and Its Components

The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) framework provides a comprehensive guide for organizations to establish effective internal controls. Its five components—Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication, and Monitoring Activities—interact to achieve organizational objectives in operations, reporting, and compliance (COSO, 2013).

Control Environment

This foundational component sets the tone at the top, fostering an organizational culture that promotes integrity and ethical behavior. A strong control environment influences all other components by establishing accountability, oversight, and ethical standards, thereby supporting the achievement of control and organizational goals.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment involves identifying, analyzing, and managing risks that could impede organizational objectives. Its impact on controls ensures that critical vulnerabilities are addressed proactively, reducing the likelihood of errors or breaches.

Control Activities

Control activities are policies and procedures that effectively address risks identified during assessment. These include approval processes, reconciliations, and segregation of duties, which collectively safeguard operational integrity.

Information and Communication

Effective information flow and transparent communication are vital for enabling employees to understand their control responsibilities and for providing stakeholders with accurate reporting, thus enhancing organizational accountability.

Monitoring Activities

Ongoing monitoring evaluates the effectiveness of controls over time, facilitating timely improvements and ensuring sustained compliance with organizational standards and regulations.

Concerns During an IT Audit

During an IT audit, auditors primarily focus on areas such as data security, access controls, and system reliability. They examine whether controls are adequately designed and implemented to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and misuse of information systems. Ensuring compliance with established policies and detecting vulnerabilities that could threaten organizational integrity are central concerns (Bierstaker et al., 2014).

Integrating COSO Compliance into Organizations

Organizations can enhance COSO compliance by embedding control principles into daily operations. Practical strategies include fostering a culture of ethics through leadership, conducting regular risk assessments, leveraging technology for real-time monitoring, and providing continuous training for employees on control standards. For example, a healthcare organization might implement electronic health record audits to monitor compliance with privacy regulations and data security standards, aligning with COSO’s principles (Atuahene-Gima & Ko, 2020).

Conclusion

In conclusion, registered nurses are vital advocates within the healthcare system, empowered by ethical guidelines and education but requiring ongoing development. The ANA’s linguistic shift towards “patient” reinforces a relationship-centered approach, emphasizing trust and holistic care. Meanwhile, the COSO framework’s five components form a robust structure for organizational internal controls, especially in areas like IT security. Effective integration of COSO principles enhances organizational resilience, compliance, and operational efficiency, ultimately supporting strategic objectives and safeguarding assets.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA Publishing.
• Atuahene-Gima, K., & Ko, A. (2020). Embedding risk management practices into organizational culture: A strategic approach. Journal of Business Strategy, 41(3), 45-53.
• Bierstaker, J., Burnaby, P., & Thibodeau, J. (2014). The impact of information technology on the role of internal audit. Managerial Auditing Journal, 29(4), 323-340.
• Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Addison-Wesley.
• Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). (2013). Internal control—Integrated framework. COSO.
• Mezey, M., Carlin, T. M., & Williams, S. (2019). Nursing advocacy skills: Enhancing new graduate confidence. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(2), 89-95.
• Taylor, C., Rogers, H., & Beck, S. (2019). Addressing healthcare disparities through patient advocacy. Nursing Outlook, 67(6), 679-685.
• Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2020). Professional nursing: Concepts & challenges (8th ed.). Pearson.
• Crosson, J. C., & Wears, R. L. (2017). Ethical principles for health professionals and their application. Journal of Medical Ethics, 43(4), 232-235.
• Schwarz, P. M., & Kirsten, R. (2022). Internal controls and cybersecurity: Strategic considerations for auditors. Journal of Cybersecurity & Compliance, 4(1), 12-20.