Outline the concept of professional accountability as it pertains to nursing. Examine the actions of Nurse Jim and Nurse Lope. Discuss how you would approach this scenario if you were in Jim’s and Lope’s position. Based on your analysis of how nurses demonstrate accountability in clinical practice, the nursing process, and evidence-based practice, explain how you would handle this situation if you were the nurse manager overseeing Jim and Lope. Alternative Answer

 

Nursing is a huge responsibility, and our decisions daily put people’s lives in our hands. In 2001, the American Nurse Association Code of Ethics for Nurses underwent a four-year process to create. It consists of 9 provisions that serve as a framework for ethical nursing practice and guide nurses in their decision-making, Patient advocacy, integrity, accountability, and lifelong learning (Fowler, American Nurse Association, 2015). They also fulfill their roles and responsibilities in providing patient care. Ultimately, it reinforces patients’ trust in nurses to promote safe, compassionate, and adequate healthcare practice.

In the case of the medication error, both nurses, Lope and Jim, fell short of their professional accountability and the code of ethics. Jim, having pulled out the medication, should have administered it. If either of them had followed the correct six medication rights, they would have detected the error. If I were in Nurse Lope’s shoes, I would have proactively addressed the situation, clarifying the reasons for the delay and the urgency of the medication. I would have referred to hospital policies on late medication and medication errors and promptly reported the incident to my charge nurse.

If I were the manager overseeing this situation, my immediate priority would be to address the issue, particularly the incorrect medication given, to ensure there is no potential harm to the patient. Patient safety would be my utmost concern, and I would take all necessary steps to rectify the situation and prevent such errors in the future. I would follow hospital policy and procedures for medication errors. I would follow up and continue to monitor the patient. I also check on my colleagues involved in the error to ensure they are coping with the situation and providing support. More debriefing with nurses is needed when we have situations that happen so we can improve systemic issues or gaps.

References: 

Fowler, M. D. M., & American Nurses Association. (2015). Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements: Development, Interpretation, and Application: Vol. Second edition. American Nurses Association.

Schick-Makaroff, K., & Storch, J. L. (2019). Guidance for Ethical Leadership in Nursing Codes of Ethics: An Integrative Review. Nursing Leadership (1910-622X), 32(1), 60–73. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.12927/cjnl.2019.25848

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