Being prepared as a Nurse Practitioner when entering the clinic setting is a win-win for the student, the preceptor, and most of all the patient. Safe, effective delivery of patient care requires that the nurse practitioner student understand the complexity of healthcare systems, the limits of human factors, safety design principles, characteristics of high reliability organizations, and patient safety resources. These components are critical to the preparation of safe clinicians and essential for 21st Century healthcare delivery.
Discuss how you met the Unit 2 Objectives as well as barriers to safe practice that can occur if you come to the clinic setting unprepared. Support your discussion with evidence-based practice and recommendations for improvement of safe patient care in the primary care setting.
UNIT 2 OBJECTIVE: Professional accountability as applied to nurse practitioners refers to the ethical and moral obligations permeating the nursing profession. These standards relate to patient care, collaboration with other medical professionals, integrity, morals, and the responsibility to effectuate social change. Nurse practitioners (APRN’s) must uphold these standards and ethical violations could result in a loss of license or discipline by the state nursing board. As a nurse practitioner, you are able to practice within the full scope of your license, education, and expertise – which places you at greater risk. Because you are part of a medical team and possess the ability to diagnose and treat patients, you become more vulnerable to the additional threat of a malpractice lawsuit.
After completing this unit, you should be able to:
Demonstrate professional behavior in the practicum setting.
Assume responsibility for actions in the practicum setting.
Access available resources to assist with accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.
Collaborate with the preceptor and multidisciplinary healthcare team to promote best health outcomes.
Deliver safe care with consideration of ethical, cultural, confidentiality, and privacy practices.
Elicit constructive criticism from the preceptor to enhance skills and knowledge in the practicum setting.