NRS 430 Outline the concept of professional accountability as it pertains to nursing
NRS 430 Outline the concept of professional accountability as it pertains to nursing
You were Spot on; accountability is an enigmatic and complex concept that is central to nursing practice. I also agree that It involves accepting responsibility for one’s actions, being trustworthy, maintaining patient confidentiality, acting as an advocate for patients, and ensuring that best practices are followed. Nurses must be dependable and ethical in all aspects of patient care to promote positive patient outcomes. Nevertheless, the issue of accountability is often associated with perplexity, as it requires balancing the interests of patients with diverse health needs and using professional judgment, knowledge, skills, and evidence-based practices to make decisions.
Evidence-based practice is another crucial component of nursing. It involves using the latest research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. This approach enables nurses to understand the effectiveness or potential risks associated with different care options and make the best decisions for their patients. But, the implementation of evidence-based practices can sometimes be challenging due to their ambiguity in nature and varying levels of applicability in different clinical contexts.
According to Smith and Higgs (2019), the concept of accountability in nursing is essential for promoting a safe environment. which in turn will lead to effective patient care. Nurses must be able to demonstrate accountability in all aspects of their practice, including professional, legal, ethical, and employment accountability. They must also be willing to accept responsibility for their actions and be open to feedback from colleagues and supervisors. By doing so, nurses can build strong relationships with employers and coworkers, which can positively impact patient outcomes.
The concepts of accountability and evidence-based practice are crucial components of nursing practice. Nurses must be willing to navigate the complexities associated with these concepts to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to their patients.
Reference:
Smith, M. J., & Higgs, J. (2019). Accountability in nursing practice: Why it matters. British Journal of Nursing, 28(6), 364-368. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2019.28.6.364
