If you or a close family member required hospitalization and had a choice of where to go for care how would you decide which hospital to choose? Would you look at quality indicators such as hospital acquired infections? Why or why not? There are multiple factors that may influence my personal decision regarding which hospital I would choose for myself or a close family member if hospitalization was indicated. However, I believe my own impressions of the quality of care as well as my past experiences would ultimately be the most influential elements in my decision. Similarly, recent research indicates that individuals’ perceptions of the organization’s reputation, quality indicators and personal experiences are often the most instrumental factors considered when many are faced with the decision of where to be hospitalized (Jung, Feldman & Scanlon, 2011, p.839-840). Additionally, Mohammad-Mosadeghrad (2014) also identified doctor recommendations and health insurance programs amongst other leading reasons for choosing a hospital. This finding may not be unexpected for many, as physicians continue to be amongst the most trusted professionals in the United States (Levey, 2015). Moreover, in regards to Mohammad-Mosadeghrad’s research, I do believe my decision may also be easily influenced by a trusted health care provider’s recommendation as I trust that they are knowledgeable and informed. Lastly, quality assurance and improvement are also very important to me, and therefore quality indicators would also impact my decision. I believe the chief complaint and diagnosis, which required in-patient care, would also affect the quality indicators that I would review. For instance, if a family member was experiencing urologic symptoms which required hospitalization I would consider the data and occurrence rates regarding catheter associated urinary tract infections when choosing which hospital was best. However, despite my education I continue to consider accessing quality indication reports difficult. Likewise, many individuals are unaware of the data regarding quality indicators that is available to them and may also lack the health literacy needed to fully comprehend the data presented to them. You suspect that the nurse you are working with is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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What are your legal and ethical responsibilities? What resources are available for nurses with substance abuse issues?
As nurses, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our patients. Therefore, legal and ethical responsibilities, as well as my own personal standards, would leave me no choice but to report a colleague that I suspected had the potential to endanger patients. Nurses’ obligation to report their suspicions regarding patient safety are clearly outlined in the third provision found within the American Nurses Association’s code of ethics, which states that the nurse “promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient” (Winland-Brow, Lachman & Swanson, 2015, p. 270).
According to Kunyk (2015), the prevalence of substance abuse amongst nurses is noted to be comparable to the general public. Furthermore, Kunyk (2015) has found that “most nurses' coded high risk for impaired practices were working, unknown by their employer/regulator and not receiving treatment”. Given this information, we as nurses must use our assessment techniques and skills not only when assessing our patients, but in our workplace environment to maintain patient safety. As Monroe and Kenaga (2011) identified, “recognition of a colleague’s need of treatment is the important first step in the rehabilitation process. Early intervention and assistance are essential for helping colleagues and students
What are your legal and ethical responsibilities? What resources are available for nurses with substance abuse issues?
As nurses, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our patients. Therefore, legal and ethical responsibilities, as well as my own personal standards, would leave me no choice but to report a colleague that I suspected had the potential to endanger patients. Nurses’ obligation to report their suspicions regarding patient safety are clearly outlined in the third provision found within the American Nurses Association’s code of ethics, which states that the nurse “promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient” (Winland-Brow, Lachman & Swanson, 2015, p. 270).
According to Kunyk (2015), the prevalence of substance abuse amongst nurses is noted to be comparable to the general public. Furthermore, Kunyk (2015) has found that “most nurses' coded high risk for impaired practices were working, unknown by their employer/regulator and not receiving treatment”. Given this information, we as nurses must use our assessment techniques and skills not only when assessing our patients, but in our workplace environment to maintain patient safety. As Monroe and Kenaga (2011) identified, “recognition of a colleague’s need of treatment is the important first step in the rehabilitation process. Early intervention and assistance are essential for helping colleagues and students