A nurse can exhibit professional accountability in many ways under many different circumstances. Whether that be through continuing education or keeping up with evidence-based practices (EBPs) to ensure positive patient outcomes. Nolan et. al. provide an instance where the causes of ventilated-associated pneumonia (VAP), which can cause an increased length of stay (LOS) as well as increased cost and morbidity were studied and interventions or strategies were put in place to improve outcomes (2010). Even though EBPs were effective, nurses were found to not be implementing them. Nurse accountability in this instance was not ideal. “Reasons for noncompliance with practice standards included fluctuating staffing and acuity levels, responsibility accorded to another professional, or simply forgetting – each pointing the finger elsewhere rather than accepting professional ownership and accountability” (Nolan, et. al. 2010).
The study that Nolan, et. al. provided used the Morbidity and Mortality Peer Review Conference (MMPRC) EBP model where peers review undesired outcomes and looks at process errors and solutions (2010). These MMPRCs were instrumental in finding better ways to ensure nurse compliance with EBP interventions. Not did patients experiencing a decreased LOS but cost to the hospital, which is directly correlated with LOS, decreased after the MMPRC was completed. “Nursing compliance with EBPs is essential to optimal patient care. The use of MMPRCs is one approach to improve professional accountability, ownership of clinical nursing practice, and quality outcomes (Nolan, et. al., 2010). This demonstrates how effective a nurse who exhibits professional accountability by using evidence-based outcomes can influence the quality of care for patients. The nursing process drives both accountability and EBPs by looking at the using assessment tools to identify the problem, think about ways to manage said problem, implement possible solutions, then evaluating whether or not they worked. MMPRCs demonstrate exactly how this process, when implemented correctly, works!
Nolan, S., Burkard, J., Clark, M., Davidson, J., Agan, D. (September 2010). Effect of Morbidity and Mortality Peer Review on Nurse
Accountability and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Rates. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 40(9), 374-383.
Sherman, R.O., Cohn, T.M. (February 1, 2019). Promoting professional accountability and ownership: Nursing leaders set the tone
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