Question 1. Your allocated standard is: Medication Safety Standard Question 2. A Senior RN on the ward instructs you to perform a procedure which does not follow the procedural guideline and policy. You are aware this may cause harm to the patient. In this situation could you please describe your actions, and in addition outline self-care strategies at a stressful time.
Introduction:
Medication safety is a critical component of patient care, as errors in medication administration can lead to adverse events and patient harm. As a student nurse, it is essential to adhere to procedural guidelines and policies to ensure safe and effective medication administration. However, in the scenario presented, a senior registered nurse on the ward instructs the student nurse to perform a procedure that deviates from the guidelines and may potentially harm the patient. This situation requires the student nurse to take appropriate action while also considering self-care strategies to manage the stress associated with such a challenging scenario.
Actions to take in the given situation:
In a situation where a senior registered nurse instructs a student nurse to perform a procedure that may cause harm to the patient and deviates from the procedural guidelines and policies, the student nurse must prioritize patient safety and advocate for appropriate care. The following actions are recommended for the student nurse:
1. Clarify the procedure with the senior registered nurse: Before taking any action, the student nurse should seek clarification from the senior registered nurse regarding the reasoning behind the deviation from the guidelines. It is essential to understand the senior nurse’s perspective and rationale for the requested procedure.
2. Consult the procedural guidelines and policies: The student nurse should consult the procedural guidelines and policies to ensure that the instruction provided by the senior nurse is indeed in conflict with the established standards. This will help the student nurse gain a comprehensive understanding of the correct procedure and provide evidence to support their advocacy for patient safety.
3. Assertively communicate concerns: Once the student nurse has clarified the procedure and confirmed the deviation from the guidelines, it is important to assertively communicate their concerns to the senior registered nurse. An open and respectful dialogue should be initiated, focusing on the potential harm to the patient and the importance of adhering to established guidelines. The student nurse should express their commitment to patient safety while acknowledging the senior nurse’s expertise and experience.
4. Seek support from the nursing team: If the dialogue with the senior registered nurse does not resolve the conflict, the student nurse should seek support from the rest of the nursing team. This may involve discussing the situation with the charge nurse or the nurse in charge of the unit. Collaboratively addressing the issue as a team can help ensure prompt resolution and maintain patient safety.
5. Document the incident: It is important for the student nurse to document the details of the incident, including the deviation from the guidelines, the attempted communication, and any subsequent actions taken. Accurate documentation will provide a record of the situation and can be used for further investigation or quality improvement initiatives.
Self-care strategies at a stressful time:
Experiencing a situation where patient safety is compromised can be highly stressful for a student nurse. It is important to prioritize self-care during such challenging times to maintain personal well-being and professional efficacy. The following self-care strategies can be helpful:
1. Seek emotional support: Reach out to trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends to discuss the situation and seek emotional support. Talking about the experience can provide validation and a sense of relief.
2. Engage in reflective practice: Reflect on the incident and explore personal feelings and reactions. Reflective practice can help process emotions, gain insights, and identify areas for personal and professional growth.
3. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to oneself and acknowledge that mistakes or facing challenging situations are part of the learning process. Self-compassion involves treating oneself with empathy and understanding.
4. Engage in stress management techniques: Incorporate stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or physical activity, to help manage stress and promote overall well-being.
5. Seek professional support if needed: If the incident has a significant impact on the student nurse’s well-being, it may be beneficial to seek professional support such as counseling or debriefing sessions with a qualified mental health professional.
Conclusion:
In situations where a senior registered nurse instructs a student nurse to deviate from procedural guidelines, the student nurse must prioritize patient safety and advocate for appropriate care. Clear communication, consultation of guidelines, and seeking support from the nursing team are crucial actions to consider. Furthermore, implementing self-care strategies can help manage the stress associated with the challenging situation, ensuring the student nurse’s well-being and professional efficacy.