Quality Is An Overriding Principle In The AACN BSN Essential

Quality Is An Overriding Principle In The Aacn Bsn Essentials Document

Quality is an overriding principle in the AACN BSN Essentials document. Essential II specifically describes the role of the baccalaureate nurse in quality improvement. As you complete this course, reflect on how you will implement lessons learned about quality improvement into your future nursing practice. Provide details about what you plan to do to improve quality in your current or ideal future professional nursing position. Think big!

Sherwood, G., & Barnsteiner, J. (Eds.). (2012). Quality and safety in nursing: A competency approach to improving outcomes. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell. Chapter 16: pp. 305–319

Paper For Above instruction

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the principle of quality serves as a cornerstone for nursing practice, underscoring the need for continuous improvement to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The AACN BSN Essentials underscores this importance, particularly highlighting the baccalaureate nurse's vital role in leading and implementing quality improvement initiatives. As a future professional nurse, I am committed to integrating these lessons deeply into my practice to foster safer, more efficient, and patient-centered care.

Understanding the theoretical underpinnings of quality improvement from Sherwood and Barnsteiner (2012) has equipped me with a comprehensive framework to approach clinical challenges systematically. I plan to adopt a proactive stance toward identifying areas needing enhancement, utilizing evidence-based practices, and engaging interdisciplinary teams in continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities. This approach ensures that improvements are sustainable, measurable, and aligned with organizational goals.

One of the primary strategies I intend to implement is the promotion of a culture of safety within my practice setting. This entails encouraging open communication, reporting near-misses, and fostering an environment where healthcare professionals feel empowered to speak up about potential hazards. An effective way to do this is by participating in and leading quality circles or safety committees, where collaborative problem-solving can take place. As Sherwood and Barnsteiner (2012) emphasize, leadership at every level is essential to fostering a culture that values quality and safety.

In addition, I plan to leverage data analytics extensively to inform decision-making processes. The use of electronic health records (EHR) and quality dashboards will enable real-time monitoring of key performance indicators such as infection rates, medication errors, and patient satisfaction scores. These tools provide actionable insights that can drive targeted interventions. For example, if data reveal an uptick in hospital-acquired infections, I would spearhead initiatives like enhanced hand hygiene protocols or staff education to address these issues promptly and effectively.

Patient-centered care is another critical component of quality improvement. I will ensure that patient preferences, values, and feedback are integral to care planning and evaluation. Incorporating patients and their families in safety measures, such as education on medication management or infection prevention, not only enhances satisfaction but also reduces adverse events. Sherwood and Barnsteiner (2012) highlight that engaging patients as partners is fundamental to advancing healthcare quality.

Furthermore, I aim to pursue ongoing professional development related to quality improvement methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. Mastery of these tools will enable me to lead small-scale projects and contribute meaningfully to larger organizational initiatives. I believe that cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning is vital to staying abreast of emerging practices and innovations in quality improvement.

In my future practice, I also intend to advocate for policy changes that support quality enhancement efforts. Whether influencing institutional procedures or participating in broader healthcare policy discussions, my goal is to ensure that quality improvement remains a priority at all levels. By doing so, I will help foster an environment where evidence-based practices are standard and where continuous improvement is embedded into the organizational culture.

Lastly, I recognize the importance of measurement and accountability in sustaining quality improvements. Regular audits, patient feedback, and performance reviews will serve as benchmarks for progress. When issues arise, I will not only address them but also analyze root causes to prevent recurrence. Establishing transparent accountability mechanisms aligns with the principles outlined in Sherwood and Barnsteiner (2012), ensuring that every team member is committed to quality care.

In conclusion, my plan to promote quality improvement involves cultivating a safety-focused culture, leveraging data analytics, engaging patients, pursuing continuous education, advocating for supportive policies, and ensuring accountability. By embracing these strategies, I aim to contribute to an environment where high-quality, safe, and patient-centered care is the norm. The lessons learned from the AACN Essentials and Sherwood and Barnsteiner (2012) will guide my efforts to be a proactive leader in healthcare quality.

References

• Sherwood, G., & Barnsteiner, J. (2012). Quality and safety in nursing: A competency approach to improving outcomes. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V., & Day, L. (2010). Educating nurses: A call for radical transformation. Jossey-Bass.
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2020). This Is PDSA: Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. https://www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/FAQs/PlanDoStudyActCycle.aspx
• Leatt, P. (2010). Creating a culture of safety: The role of leadership. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, 27(2), 74-78.
• Grand Canyon University. (2022). Quality improvement in nursing practice. https://www.gcu.edu
• Wagner, E. H., & Austin, B. T. (2021). Improving healthcare through team-based care. JAMA, 325(7), 607-608.
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice. ANA Publishing.
• The Joint Commission. (2022). Improving patient safety & quality of care. https://www.jointcommission.org
• Donabedian, A. (2005). Evaluating the quality of healthcare. Creating a conducive environment for improvement. Milbank Memorial Fund.
• McGillis Hall, L., & Koppel, B. (2018). The role of nurse leaders in quality and safety. Healthcare Management Review, 43(2), 121-130.