American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competencies 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 9.4. Verified Answer

The concept of professional accountability in nursing encompasses the responsibility to adhere to ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and professional obligations while providing safe and effective care to patients. Nurses are accountable for their actions, decisions, and the outcomes of patient care, and they must uphold the highest standards of practice to ensure patient safety and well-being (Schick-Makaroff & Storch, 2019). In the scenario described, Nurse Jim’s actions raise concerns regarding medication administration and communication practices.

Providing unopened medications to Nurse Lope without verifying the accuracy of the medication orders or ensuring proper documentation compromises patient safety and violates professional accountability principles. Nurse Lope’s decision to administer the medications without verifying their accuracy or confirming their appropriateness further exacerbates the situation.

If I were in Nurse Jim’s position, I would prioritize patient safety by thoroughly verifying the accuracy of the medication orders, including checking the medication administration record (MAR) and confirming the patient’s identity. Additionally, I would communicate any discrepancies or concerns to the nurse receiving report and seek guidance from the charge nurse or pharmacist if necessary.

As Nurse Lope, I would refrain from administering medications until their accuracy and appropriateness are verified through proper channels, including consulting with the pharmacist or contacting the prescriber for clarification (Flaubert et al., 2021). As the nurse manager overseeing Jim and Lope, I would address this situation through a comprehensive approach focused on education, accountability, and process improvement.

References

Flaubert, J. L., Le, M. S., Williams, D. R., & Wakefield, M. K. (Eds.). (2021). The future of nursing 2020-2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity. National Academies Press.

Schick-Makaroff, K., & Storch, J. L. (2019). Guidance for Ethical Leadership in Nursing Codes of Ethics: An Integrative Review. Nursing Leadership (1910-622X), 32(1), 60–73. ht