Using The Information From The Case Study Below Discuss ✓ Solved
Using The Information From The Case Study Below Discuss The
Using the information from the case study below, discuss the following issues from the perspective of an APN role: Administrator, Practitioner, Educator.
Standards of care – what were the standards of care that were violated? Who was responsible for the violations? In your role as an educator, administrator, or practitioner, what risk management steps need to be taken before or after the incident to alleviate the issue? Support your paper with a minimum of three scholarly references.
Paper For Above Instructions
The role of Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) is multifaceted, encompassing various responsibilities such as administration, education, and clinical practice. Each of these roles is critical in the context of patient safety and the management of healthcare quality. The case study of Yolanda Pinellas highlights several issues regarding standards of care and illustrates the necessity for effective risk management strategies in nursing practice.
Standards of Care Violations
In the case of Yolanda Pinellas, several standards of care appear to have been violated. The primary standard that was neglected pertains to the continuous monitoring of patients receiving intravenous (IV) therapy, particularly those under chemotherapy. The literature emphasizes that healthcare providers must ensure that IV catheters are properly secured and monitored to prevent complications such as infiltration (Marino et al., 2020). In this instance, the infusion pump alerted the nursing staff of a potential issue by beeping, yet the required steps to ensure the patient’s safety were not adequately implemented.
Furthermore, the fact that the infusion was dislodged and not addressed promptly suggests a lack of adherence to established nursing protocols. The responsibility for these violations can be attributed to multiple factors, including individual negligence by the nursing staff, organizational issues such as short staffing, and the use of float nurses who may not be familiar with the specific patient care context (Blasi et al., 2020). The risk manager’s observations regarding staffing patterns underscore systemic issues that contribute to the likelihood of such events occurring.
Accountability for Violations
Determining accountability for these violations is complex. On an individual level, the nurse who attended to Yolanda must be evaluated for their actions, including their response to the alarming infusion pump and documentation practices. However, the systemic factors leading to inadequate staffing levels and an overworked nursing staff were significant contributors to the scenario (Aiken et al., 2018). It is crucial for nurse administrators to foster an environment where staff have manageable workloads that promote patient safety. When administrators are aware of staffing shortfalls, they must act quickly to mitigate risks and prevent burnout among nursing professionals.
Risk Management Strategies
As an educator or administrator, several risk management strategies can be implemented to address these issues both before and after such an incident. Firstly, enhancing education and training for nursing staff regarding IV administration and monitoring protocols is essential. Continuous professional development programs focused on best practices can improve the competency of nurses and reduce the likelihood of future errors (Marino et al., 2020).
Secondly, hospitals should prioritize adequate staffing levels and minimize reliance on float nurses. Prioritizing familiarity with units can significantly enhance patient care continuity and safety. Implementing a robust orientation program for float nurses can help bridge knowledge gaps and improve familiarity with protocols in different departments (Blasi et al., 2020).
After such an incident, conducting a thorough root cause analysis can aid in understanding the underlying issues and preventing recurrence. This analysis should involve key stakeholders, including nursing staff, risk managers, and administrators, to create comprehensive strategies for improvement (Aiken et al., 2018). Additionally, fostering a culture of open communication where staff can voice concerns about staffing levels and patient safety without fear of retribution is fundamental in addressing such systemic challenges.
Conclusion
The case of Yolanda Pinellas emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to established standards of care in nursing practice. The roles of administrators, educators, and practitioners intersect significantly when it comes to ensuring patient safety and mitigating risks. By enhancing training, improving staffing conditions, and fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes patient-centered care, the healthcare system can better protect against future incidents similar to Yolanda's case. These steps are foundational in creating a safer healthcare environment that prioritizes patient well-being.
References
- Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., & Griffiths, P. (2018). Nursing skill mix in the UK: Implications for patient safety. BMJ Quality & Safety, 27(10), 708-716.
- Blasi, L., Orsini, F., & Luciani, L. (2020). The impact of nurse staffing on patient outcomes in acute care settings: A systematic review. International Nursing Review, 67(3), 344-354.
- Marino, P. L., Dyer, D., & Plate, L. (2020). Intravenous Therapy: Guidelines for Nursing Practice. Nursing Clinics of North America, 55(1), 1-16.
- Wong, C. A., & Cummings, G. G. (2019). Patient safety: The role of nurse leadership. Journal of Nursing Management, 29(8), 1127-1135.
- Vogelsmeier, A., & Wechter, M. (2019). Preventing adverse events in home care: The role of nursing education and leadership. American Journal of Nursing, 119(2), 34-40.
- Graham, S., & Brooker, C. (2021). The importance of workplace safety for quality care delivery in mental health nursing. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 28(3), 429-436.
- Zolnierek, C. D., & DiMatteo, M. R. (2020). Physician-nurse communication and patient outcomes. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(6), 401-412.
- Song, Y., & Zhang, L. (2021). The role of interprofessional education in improving patient safety culture: A systematic review. Medical Teacher, 43(1), 61-68.
- Johnson, J. E., & Boughan, K. (2019). Advancing patient safety through nursing leadership: Strategies for success. Nursing Outlook, 67(6), 636-642.
- Pirbudak, S. S., Mavrokordatos, N., & Cappa, K. (2018). Enhancing nursing competencies through simulation training: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Education, 57(4), 233-239.