Self-Reflection Week Five
Based on the readings of this week, what are 3 major issues you are facing in your practice that are consistent with national issues? Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is an issue throughout the United States. Our ED has experienced significant increases in volume. Coupled with the issue of hospital throughput due to lack of inpatient beds, ED congestion is extremely concerning (McClelland, 2015). In addition to affecting patient satisfaction, ED wait times influence patient safety. Extended wait times in the ED are associated with higher morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly (Grafstein et al., 2013).
The identification of patients with suicidal ideation is a National Patient Safety Goal recommendation from the Joint Commission (Joint Commission for Accreditation of Hospitals, 2015). Our emergency department (ED) sees a considerable number of patients with psychiatric concerns. The early recognition of suicidal ideation in patients presenting in crisis is compulsory at the initial encounter with the patient. Frequently, the ED is the first opportunity to intervene and assist someone who is considering self-harm. Hand hygiene remains a challenging issue in the emergency department (ED). …show more content…
The most difficult group to attain conformity from being the physicians. We have instituted hand gel in every conceivable location, however, there continue to be issues with compliance.
What was the most meaningful learning from this week’s assignments and readings?
Donald Berwick’s YouTube video was extremely meaningful to me. Why? I always have enjoyed any subject discussed by Dr. Berwick, he is articulate and knowledgeable. Dr. Berwick legitimately illustrates each issue in a manner that forces one to see the seriousness of the problem. Each and every point made by Dr. Berwick contains significance for my personal practice.
What were the least meaningful and why?
The CMS, JCAHO sites were the least meaningful. I have reviewed these sites multiple times and although they contain extremely significant and useful information, I find that I enjoy case studies and other venues that provide illustrations that I can relate to my practice much more than the dry writings of these regulatory bodies. However, I do believe every caregiver should be familiar with these sites and the requirements and recommendations they provide. Provide a minimum of one professional development goal. I will read one article per month regarding quality and safety in the emergency department from a peer reviewed professional journal, preferably the Emergency Nurses Association Journal, to which I possess a subscription. Self-Reflection Week Seven For this week reflect on what were the most meaningful learning experiences you have had during the course and write three measurable objectives for the next six-months. The most meaningful experiences for me during this course were complexity science and the team project. I found the concept of complexity science fascinating as well as applicable to practice. Understanding the theory of complex adaptive systems is key to creating successful strategies for change. Moreover, it is critical to comprehend that an organization is like a living being with multiple systems that interact, sometimes imperceptibly if one does not know to look for these interactions. The comprehension of complexity science will absolutely effect my ability to be a transformational leader (Anderson, Crabtree, Steele, & McDaniel, 2005). The team project was very meaningful to me. I greatly enjoyed interacting with colleagues who each brought