Purpose
The purpose of this discussion is for learners to discuss what happens where you work when a care policy is not based on the current EBP research?
Course Outcomes
This discussion enables the student to meet the following course outcome:
CO 3: Explain the use of evidence-based practice by leaders and managers. (POs 2, 8)
Due Date
During the assigned week (Sunday the start of the assigned week through Sunday the end of the assigned week):
- Posts in the discussion at least two times, and
- Posts in the discussion on two different days
Total Points Possible
This assignment is worth 100 points.Â
Preparing the Assignment
- Discussions are designed to promote dialogue between faculty and students, and students and their peers. In discussions students:
- Demonstrate understanding of concepts for the week
- Integrate outside scholarly sources when required
- Engage in meaningful dialogue with classmates and/or instructor
- Express opinions clearly and logically, in a professional manner
- Use the rubric on this page as you compose your answers.
- Best Practices include:
- Participation early in the week is encouraged to stimulate meaningful discussion among classmates and instructor.
- Enter the discussion often during the week to read and learn from posts.
- Select different classmates for your reply each week.
 Discussion
Step 1: Read the following case study:
A nurse has an order to complete a procedure on a patient. After reading the procedure, the nurse notices that it is not best practice and it has not been updated for 6 years. The nurse takes this issue to the nurse leader (charge nurse) and the nurse manager (unit manager).
Step 2: Your first post is based on the first letter of your last name. For example, if your last name is Smith, you would answer the nurse manager question. Please review the differences in these roles before posting.
| The First Letter of your Name | Question to Answer |
|---|---|
| A – M | What would you do as a nurse leader if your policy or procedure conflicts with the most recent evidence? Describe your response to this nurse. Why is it important to update policies and procedures? What are the risks if they are outdated? What is your role as a nurse leader in assuring policies or procedures are up to date? |
| N – Z | What would you do as a nurse manager if your policy or procedure conflicts with the most recent evidence? Describe your response to this nurse. Why is it important to update policies and procedures? What are the risks if they are outdated? What is your role as a nurse manager in assuring policies or procedures are up to date? |
Step 3: Reply to classmates in either group.Â
Your discussion post should look like:
- Paragraph one: What would you do as a nurse leader or nurse manager (depending on your last name) if your policy or procedure conflicts with the most recent evidence? Describe your response to this nurse.Â
- Paragraph two: Why is it important to update policies and procedures? What are the risks if they are outdated?
- Paragraph three: What is your role as a nurse leader or nurse manager (depending on your last name) in assuring policies or procedures are up to date?Â
- Resources: Where did you find your data?
Grading
To view the grading criteria/rubric, please click on the 3 dots in the box at the end of the solid gray bar above the discussion board title and then Show Rubric. See Syllabus for Grading Rubric Definitions.
Sample Solution
As a nurse leader, I would collaborate with this nurse by reviewing the policies and procedures. Reviewing these policies will ensure the patients receive the best safe, and most effective care. While discussing with this nurse, I would explain the difference between the old and new policies in place. During our meeting we would also review the procedures to identify areas that needed changes. However providing literature, and other information to confirm why these policies are in place. This should also be followed up by implementing a meeting with other leaders, and managers. This meeting will allow the nurse to discuss her findings to seek approval to proceed with the new policy and procedure during patient care. Once this is approved, the changes will be expressed to the other nurses, and team members.
As a leader, it is my responsibility to ensure all policies and procedures are up to date. This will provide education with the nurses, and team members to provide the safest, and most efficient care. With outdated policies, and procedures that do not comply with current regulations, laws and guidelines, can cause poor patient outcomes. However, new technologies and evidence can cause better care to be provided by nurses. Regular reviews of policy and procedures allow the organization to remain current with recommendations of nursing and procedure. If the organization fails to update the policies and procedures, this can cause a decline in efficient patient outcomes.
As a nurse leader, my role is to provide up to date policies, and collaborate with other leaders, and managers. Being an advocate for my staff is very important as a leader. I would appreciate my staff regarding their efforts to ensure effective care of patients, while providing safety. Â
References
Dols, J. D., Munoz,L. R., Martinez, S. S., Mathers, N., Milleer, P.S., Pomerleau. T.A., & White, S (2017). Developing policies and protocols in the age of evidence-based practice.Â
The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 48(2), 87-92. https://doi.org/10.3928/000220124-20170119-10Links to an external site.
Finkelman, A. (2020), Leadership and mangement for nurses: Core competencies for quality care (4th ed.)Â Pearson.