587 leadership 5w- Discussion Prompt – Answered
587 leadership 5w- Discussion Prompt – Answered
Points: 25 | Due Date: Week 5, Day 3 & 7 | CLO: 1 | Grade Category: Discussions Discussion Prompt Describe a healthcare scenario in which punitive action was implemented by a nursing leader toward a staff nurse and the impact of the action on the nurse and his or her colleagues (use fictitious names and places). Describe how you, as a nurse leader, would have managed the scenario differently and the type of outcomes you would predict for the nurse and his or her colleagues as a result of your intervention. Expectations Initial Post: Length: 150 – 250 Words (587 leadership 5w- Discussion Prompt – Answered).
Answer
Scenario: Punitive Action and Its Impact
Healthcare Scenario
In the fictional Hospital Crestwood, Nurse Emily Johnson, a registered nurse, made a significant medication error by administering the wrong dosage of a critical medication to a patient. This error resulted in a temporary adverse reaction, but the patient ultimately recovered without long-term effects. The nursing leader, Director of Nursing Patricia Adams, decided to implement punitive action against Nurse Johnson. Emily received a formal written reprimand and was suspended for one week. Additionally, her professional license was reported to the state board for further review.
Impact of the Action
The punitive measures had several repercussions. Nurse Johnson experienced significant emotional distress and a decline in her self-confidence, impacting her performance and job satisfaction upon her return. Her colleagues were also affected; many felt that the disciplinary action was excessively harsh. This led to a decline in team morale and increased anxiety among the staff regarding their job security. The atmosphere in the unit became tense, with increased reports of stress-related issues and decreased collaboration among the team members (Marshall, 2019; Sfantou et al., 2017).
Alternative Management Approach
As a nurse leader, I would have approached the scenario differently by focusing on a supportive and educational response rather than punitive measures. Upon learning about the medication error, I would first ensure that the immediate needs of the patient were addressed and no further harm would come to them. Next, I would initiate a thorough, non-punitive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the error, involving Emily, her colleagues, and other relevant personnel. This would help identify systemic issues or gaps in procedures that contributed to the mistake.
Instead of a formal reprimand, I would implement a structured corrective action plan. This plan would include additional training for Nurse Johnson, as well as a review and update of the medication administration protocols for the entire team. I would also establish a mentorship program where experienced nurses could support newer staff members and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Expected Outcomes
By adopting a supportive approach, the expected outcomes would be more positive for both Nurse Johnson and her colleagues. Nurse Johnson would benefit from enhanced skills and confidence through targeted training and support, reducing the likelihood of future errors. Her colleagues would likely experience improved morale and a more collaborative work environment due to the focus on collective learning rather than individual punishment. This approach would foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, ultimately leading to better patient care and a more cohesive nursing team (Sfantou et al., 2017).
References
- Marshall, M. N. (2019). The impact of punitive actions on healthcare staff. Journal of Nursing Management, 27(5), 971-979. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12708
- Sfantou, D. F., Laliotis, A., Kattoulas, A., & S. M. (2017). Importance of leadership in healthcare: A review of the literature. Healthcare, 5(4), 100. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare5040100
