Amy Kerns
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:22 AM
Module 8: Collaboration Cafe
In the case in which an experienced nurse is 60 days post hire and requires an upcoming performance review in which a performance concern must be addressed, I would first bundle the conversation mindfully. I would initiate the conversation with discussion on a positive contribution the employee has made, and secondly, address the performance concern. I would be careful to approach the finalization of the discussion with another positive quality or contribution the employee has displayed, and encourage the employee to continue to improve and pursue excellence. If the performance concern was related to a medication error, for instance, I would reeducate/remind the employee on the proper 6 rights of medication administration. I would speak with the nurse about how significant it is to be mindful of these rights to induce a proper outcome of medication administration. Without following this nursing standard, patient safety, quality, and person-centered care could be impacted.
As stated, a plan for an improvement in this scenario would be to have the nurse teach back the six medication rights and display performance of them while a supervisor checks off on the nurse. Behavioral expectations, in regards to demonstrating proper safety checks prior medication administration would suffice to offer resolution of the concern. Leadership competencies including communication, collaboration, interpersonal skill, and emotional intelligence would all be at play in the above scenario in order to effectively carry out the corrective and desired change of behavior in the employee. Cultural humility would also be required from the nurse leader to aid in effective change. It is a challenge to keep self care as a priority as a nurse, however, one must lead change from within first, and this takes great self reflection and great self care to be a leader.
Information technology could support performance management surrounding this issue by ensuring a scanning in process of each right of medication confirmation prior granting the medicine. The administration of the medication would be filtered through a precise standard of checks and balances in the scenario above with the 6 rights implemented in the scanning system prior moving forward with medication administration. A programmed pyxis would also support a safer process to support against error. Programming the pyxis with reminders to perform the 6 rights would be beneficial, as well as team emails sent out reminding the nurses to be careful with the process of medication administration.
