What would you do if you were: (a) a mother of a healthy born child who ended up with development issues; and (b) a wife wit a husband who died prematurely - both due to the grave multiple healthcare systems failure? That is the story of Susan Sheridan, who became a patient safety advocate after these two-time tragedies occurred in her family. The first incidence was with her son, Cal, readmitted to the hospital because of kernicterus or neonate’s jaundice, caused very high levels of bilirubin, leading to severe brain damage (Medline Plus, 2015). Cal developed cerebral palsy, hearing, as well as speech impairments. The second tragedy happened with Susan’s husband, Pat, who had a tumor at the base of the skull. His surgeon stated that it was benign. The sample was sent to a pathologist. However, the result of the pathology test was never seen by anyone. Six months after, Pat had MRI showing that he had a tumor a size of the surgeon’s fist. He died at the age of 45 (“Chasing Zero”, 2014). These errors could have been prevented if there were an early recognition of the signs and symptoms of the diseases, prompt treatment, good inter-professional communication, persistent follow up, and innovative record keeping technologies.
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Other strategies that the APNs can utilize for their voice to be heard by a larger healthcare delivery system include: (a) attaining a higher APN professional recognition; (b) increasing the APN’s visibility; and (c) eliminating the hurdles to the practice of the APNs (O’Grady,
Other strategies that the APNs can utilize for their voice to be heard by a larger healthcare delivery system include: (a) attaining a higher APN professional recognition; (b) increasing the APN’s visibility; and (c) eliminating the hurdles to the practice of the APNs (O’Grady,