Sample Essay On Quality AND Safety Initiative

A quality and safety initiative, on the part of a nurse leader is a sign of his/her commitment to the profession. A healthcare that focuses on a patient centered care, will give importance to quality and safety, as both these factors are associated with positive patient outcome. In spite of the advances that the healthcare has made over the years, safety issues are still unresolved and there is an urgent need to address the harm caused by healthcare to the patient and the environment. With a demand in the number of nurses, and the increase in the number of people seeking healthcare in U.S; achieving and maintaining quality and safety practices has become increasing difficult. . (Runciman, Merry & Walton, 2007)
Unless there is a self-motivated leadership initiative by the nurses, the quality and safety in healthcare will deteriorate, which in turn will lead to interference from the management. Excessive interference with the management will affect the nurse’s freedom and increase stress. Following a standard protocol, while delivering care in the clinics, will help to reduce variations in medical practice and help in achieving patient safety. These standard protocols are developed through well tested research and less likely to go awry when compared to the intuitive treatment of traditional practice. By following the scientific principles of care, it is possible to avoid the harm that is caused by overuse, underuse or misuse of resources. It also ensures appropriate care of a patient, and easy identification of the gap between what we know and what is unknown. (Hogan & Costello-Nickitas, 2009)
Effective clinical communication will keep the patient informed of the risk associated with a particular protocol, and helps him/her make a well informed decision. This will help to avoid regrets and disputes later. Through active engagement nurses can lead and coordinate development of quality and safety in healthcare settings. (Hogan & Costello-Nickitas, 2009)

References:

Hogan, M., & Costello-Nickitas, D. (2009). Nursing leadership and management. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Runciman, B., Merry, A., & Walton, M. (2007). Safety and ethics in healthcare. Aldershot, England: Ashgate.