Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘accountability’ as an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one 's actions. Then there is the word, ‘professionalism’ as the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. These two words are intertwined in the medical industry, especially in the field of nursing. In the article “Accountability in Nursing Practice: Why it is Important for Patient Safety, the author details how and why it is not only necessary but critical to exercise accountability and professionalism as a nursing practitioner. Without utilization of these two traits, the patient’s safety can be put in grave danger, compromise the integrity of the field of medicine and
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Accountability is about creating trust and ultimately performance – of both the patient and the medical team. This is a team effort and all involved share their responsibility. If a nurse sees someone doing something incorrectly, it is their responsibility to either correct or advise. If it is done in front of a patient or a patient’ family, as long as the care is not compromised, it should be done at a later time, which would omit them from witnessing. It is NEVER appropriate to correct, chastise or belittle your co-workers. Nurses also must not be afraid to speak up even if it means to someone more qualified or someone who has more seniority. This is again where professionalism and accountability go hand in hand. It is never okay to speak to a peer in a condescending tone, belittle someone or yell. We are always to take a respectful and courteous tone and be open to receive constructive criticism. Constructive criticism is for the benefit of you, so that you may better serve your patient. These negative behaviors are not acceptable at any time and can call into question the quality of care that the patient is receiving and shows a complete lack of professionalism. More importantly, the consequences for these actions can compromise the overall care of the patient and can lead to disciplinary actions up to and including termination of the nurse who displays a lack of professionalism and
Accountability is about creating trust and ultimately performance – of both the patient and the medical team. This is a team effort and all involved share their responsibility. If a nurse sees someone doing something incorrectly, it is their responsibility to either correct or advise. If it is done in front of a patient or a patient’ family, as long as the care is not compromised, it should be done at a later time, which would omit them from witnessing. It is NEVER appropriate to correct, chastise or belittle your co-workers. Nurses also must not be afraid to speak up even if it means to someone more qualified or someone who has more seniority. This is again where professionalism and accountability go hand in hand. It is never okay to speak to a peer in a condescending tone, belittle someone or yell. We are always to take a respectful and courteous tone and be open to receive constructive criticism. Constructive criticism is for the benefit of you, so that you may better serve your patient. These negative behaviors are not acceptable at any time and can call into question the quality of care that the patient is receiving and shows a complete lack of professionalism. More importantly, the consequences for these actions can compromise the overall care of the patient and can lead to disciplinary actions up to and including termination of the nurse who displays a lack of professionalism and