Nursing Practice Change
Think about a recent situation in nursing that you recognized as needing to change in some way and share your reflection with others in the discussion board. Did you take action to change the situation? If not, why not?
If so consider the following:
- Who did you connect with in some way to create change?
- What were the barriers that you faced in making the change?
- What facilitated getting something done?
- Looking back, what would you do differently next time around?
Contribute a minimum of 450 words for your initial post. It should include at least 2 academic sources, formatted and cited in APA.
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Nursing Practice Change
Reflection on a Needed Change in Nursing Practice
During a recent shift in the medical-surgical unit, I noticed repeated delays in administering pain medication. The delay was mainly caused by unclear communication between nurses and the pharmacy. Patients expressed frustration and discomfort, which indicated a need for change. Immediate action was necessary because untreated pain reduces patient satisfaction and prolongs recovery.
I decided to address the issue by discussing it with the charge nurse and collaborating with colleagues. Together, we identified that electronic medication orders were often queued without proper notification alerts. This system flaw created confusion and unnecessary delays. A meeting was arranged with the pharmacy department to present our concerns. The discussion emphasized patient outcomes and staff efficiency, which encouraged openness to change.
Barriers, Facilitators, and Lessons Learned
The main barrier involved resistance from some staff who preferred established routines. Additionally, limited time during busy shifts made it difficult to gather feedback consistently. However, support from the charge nurse and evidence of patient dissatisfaction facilitated progress. The pharmacy team agreed to update the alert system to provide real-time notifications. As a result, pain medication was delivered more promptly, and patients reported greater comfort.
Looking back, I realize that earlier engagement with leadership would have improved the process. Clearer documentation of delays could also have strengthened the case for change. Next time, I would include patient testimonials and more data to support the urgency. This experience demonstrated that effective teamwork, persistence, and open communication are essential for successful change in nursing practice.
