Introduction
In the current case, the hospital wants to implement a fall reduction policy because this type of accident can lead to severe injuries and even psychological damage in patients. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that approximately 1,000,000 people fall in hospitals annually in the United States (“Preventing falls in hospitals,” 2021).
Discussion
This problem is relevant in most hospitals; hence, the reluctance of the staff nurse to implement the policy might be detrimental to patient health outcomes. A potential cause of this perspective could be the conflict between the nurse and the management. Some hospitals notoriously exclude nurses from policy-making decisions, and the neglect of this suggestion by the staff nurse demonstrates her unwillingness to cooperate with the managers. It is possible that management ignored her recommendations previously, and the nurse is anxious and uncertain about the hospital’s decisions.
The history that led to this scenario could also include poor conditions for nurses and patients. In case the management ignored the nurse’s prior suggestions about improving the hospital infrastructure or working environment, it is understandable that the staff nurse does not wish to cooperate with managers. However, even if it were the case, the actions of the staff nurse would be inexcusable. Falls are highly likely to occur, and her reluctance to implement the policy might harm the patients. Her behavior is not only dangerous for patients, but it also contradicts the principles of professional integrity and personal development. At the very least, it is crucial for the nurse to listen to the hospital’s suggestion to decide whether it is effective or not.
Conclusion
Lastly, assuming the primary actors are both the staff nurse and the management, future actions to resolve the problem should concern professional communication. It is necessary to clearly evaluate the issue and resolve any potential conflicts. Workshops, lectures, and community meetings could improve the communication of all stakeholders in the hospital. Managers need to listen to the nurses, and nurses should cooperate with management to enhance the conditions for patients in the facility. The evaluation criterion for this approach is the willingness of nurses to implement evidence-based practices promoted by the hospital. Moreover, if the hospital provides feedback on nurses’ concerns, it would also be a positive sign of improved communication. Ultimately, it is essential to maintain professional integrity and choose the options that enhance patient conditions in the facility.
Reference
Preventing falls in hospitals. (2021). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Web.