Question

The nurse is found to be guilty of charting blood glucose results without actually performing the procedure. After talking to the nurse, the charge nurse should: A. Call the Board of Nursing B. File a formal reprimand C. Terminate the nurse D. Charge the nurse with a tort

Short answer

Answer: The most appropriate course of action for the charge nurse is to A. Call the Board of Nursing for an investigation and possible disciplinary actions.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the consequences of each option

We have four options: (A) Call the Board of Nursing, (B) File a formal reprimand, (C) Terminate the nurse, and (D) Charge the nurse with a tort. Let's look at the consequences of each option. A. Calling the Board of Nursing can result in an investigation and possible disciplinary actions against the nurse, which might include losing the nursing license or getting a suspension. B. Filing a formal reprimand means documenting the incident and giving a written warning to the nurse about their misconduct. This reprimand will be part of the nurse's personnel file and possibly affect the nurse's future performance evaluations and promotions. C. Terminating the nurse means losing the job and possibly facing difficulty in finding new employment because of the reason for termination. D. Charging the nurse with a tort means accusing the nurse of civil wrongdoing, which could lead to a lawsuit and financial liability.

Evaluate the severity of the issue

Charting blood glucose results without performing the procedure is a serious violation of nursing practice. It puts patients at risk and undermines the trust and integrity of the nurse, as well as the profession.

Determine which option is most appropriate

Considering the severity of the issue and the potential consequences, it is most appropriate for the charge nurse to: A. Call the Board of Nursing, so that they can investigate and determine the appropriate disciplinary actions to be taken against the nurse. This is for the sake of patient safety and to maintain the integrity of the profession. Option B, filing a formal reprimand, may not be enough considering the severity of the nurse's actions. Option C, termination, could be considered after the Board of Nursing has investigated the situation. Option D, charging the nurse with a tort, should be left to the patient who may have suffered from the nurse's misconduct or the hospital itself. The correct answer is A. Call the Board of Nursing.

Key concepts

Professional Conduct

In nursing, professional conduct refers to the behaviors and actions that meet the ethical and legal standards of the profession. Nurses are expected to demonstrate integrity, honesty, and accountability in all aspects of their work. Professional conduct is not just about following rules, but engaging with patients and colleagues in a manner that upholds the values of the nursing profession. Good professional conduct ensures trust and reliability in the healthcare system.

Key aspects of professional conduct in nursing include:

• Integrity: Nurses must be truthful about the care they provide. To fabricate or falsify medical data or results, like blood glucose levels, directly contradicts the integrity expected from them.
• Confidentiality: Nurses are entrusted with sensitive patient information. Maintaining patient confidentiality is a central aspect of professional conduct.
• Accountability: Nurses are accountable for their actions and decisions. This includes reporting errors or misconduct to ensure patient safety and professional integrity.

Professional conduct impacts not just the nurse's reputation, but also the trust patients have in the healthcare system.

Disciplinary Actions

Disciplinary actions in nursing are measures taken to address violations of professional conduct. These actions not only correct misconduct but also serve to maintain the standards of the nursing profession. When a nurse's conduct threatens patient safety or compromises ethical standards, disciplinary actions become necessary.

Some common disciplinary actions include:

• Reprimand: A formal reprimand involves documenting the misconduct and issuing a warning. This often becomes part of the nurse's record and may impact future employment and growth opportunities.
• Suspension or Termination: Depending on the severity, a nurse can be suspended or terminated from their role. In severe cases, this may be the immediate course of action.
• Reporting to the Board of Nursing: In serious situations, such as falsifying patient records, it is necessary to report the misconduct to the Board, which can take further action such as license suspension or revocation.

Each of these actions aims to address the wrongdoing while also safeguarding patient well-being and maintaining the trust of the public in nursing professionals.

Patient Safety

Patient safety is a fundamental concern in nursing and healthcare at large. It involves protecting patients from harm and ensuring they receive safe, reliable, and quality care. A breach in patient safety can lead to adverse health outcomes and loss of trust in healthcare providers.

Nurses play a crucial role in promoting health and preventing harm. Ensuring patient safety involves:

• Accurate Documentation: Nurses are responsible for maintaining accurate and truthful patient records. This supports effective treatment and decision-making by healthcare teams.
• Reporting and Correcting Errors: Nurses should promptly report any errors or near-misses to prevent harm. They actively participate in correcting these errors to enhance safety.
• Adhering to Protocols and Standards: Following established procedures and guidelines for patient care minimizes risks and enhances safety.

Patient safety is interconnected with professional conduct and disciplinary actions. Nurses need to prioritize patient safety at all times to provide trustworthy and reliable care.