Postsre Topic 4 DQ 2: Be Professionally Accountable In Nursi
2 Postsre Topic 4 Dq 2to Be Professionally Accountable In Nursing Is
Professional accountability in nursing is fundamental to ensuring quality patient care and safety. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, accountability is defined as being answerable to oneself and others for one's actions. In the nursing context, this responsibility extends not only to the patient but also to the patient's family, colleagues, the nursing workplace, and the profession at large. Maintaining accountability involves a commitment to delivering safe, ethical, and evidence-based care at all times.
An illustrative example of professional accountability occurs during the admission of a client to a psychiatric unit, especially when the admission is involuntary. This scenario demands clear communication and transparency from the nurse. The nurse must ensure that the client fully understands what involuntary status means in the context of mental health care. Equally important is explaining this status to the client's family, ensuring they comprehend the circumstances and the rights of the client. Such transparency fosters trust and supports ethical practice, which are core components of accountability.
In facilities where nursing students are present, each interaction becomes an educational moment, emphasizing the importance of accountability in patient care. The senior nurse plays an essential role in establishing a therapeutic relationship, which reassures the patient and provides a model of professional conduct for students. During the assessment phase, accountability influences the thoroughness and accuracy of the nursing process, which is vital for effective care. Adherence to the nursing process—assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation—underpins clinical expertise and ensures continuity and quality of care from admission to discharge.
Incorporating evidence-based practice (EBP) enhances professional accountability by grounding nursing decisions in the best available scientific evidence. EBP allows nurses to make informed choices that improve patient outcomes while maintaining accountability for their actions (Brower & Nemec, 2017). In mental health nursing, for instance, adopting a client-centered approach fosters shared decision-making. This approach involves collaboration between the care team and the patient seeking assistance for mental health issues, aligning treatment plans with the patient's preferences, values, and goals. Such practices reflect a nurse’s accountability to advocate for the patient and ensure the care delivered is both effective and respectful of patient autonomy.
Further, accountability in nursing promotes self-regulation, where nurses critically evaluate their own practice and remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development. Consciousness of the impact of their care, along with ethical considerations and evidence-based decisions, reinforces the standards of the nursing profession. Additionally, this accountability extends to mentoring future nurses, where sharing knowledge and demonstrating best practices is crucial for promoting a competent and ethical nursing workforce.
In conclusion, professional accountability in nursing is essential for safeguarding patient safety, fostering trust, and upholding the integrity of the profession. It involves a commitment to transparency, ethical standards, and continuous improvement through evidence-based practices. Nurses who embrace accountability not only enhance patient outcomes but also serve as role models for future generations of nurses, ensuring the ongoing credibility and excellence of the nursing profession.
References
- Brower, S. L., & Nemec, P. (2017). Nursing Ethics: Across the Curriculum and Into Practice. Springer Publishing.
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretative Statements. ANA Publishing.
- Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. (2016). Contemporary Nursing: Issues, Trends, & Management. Elsevier.
- Holland, P., & Harrison, G. (2018). Ethical Practice in Nursing and Healthcare. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Benner, P. (1984). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Prentice-Hall.
- Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Finkelman, A., & Kenner, C. (2018). Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Hall, J. (2020). Ethical and Professional Issues in Nursing. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- White, L., & Dudley-Boropulus, S. (2019). The Nurse's Role in Ethical Decision-Making. Nursing Ethics Journal, 26(4), 1082-1091.
- Ulrich, C. M., et al. (2019). Ethical and Professional Issues in Nursing: A Selection of Core Topics. Pearson.