Week 2 Discussion (NR506NP Full Course Assignments)

Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study

Purpose

The purpose of this discussion is to discuss organizational changes and ethical-legal influences in a clinical scenario at an out-patient family practice. Students will explore potential effects on patient outcomes and ethical and legal implications for members of the heath care team as a result of illegal behaviors.  Students will develop strategies that result in prevention of untoward outcomes that result in a positive practice culture.

Activity Learning Outcomes

Through this discussion, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate effective leadership styles in the management of organizational change (CO3)

Interpret various forms of ethical theories and application into practice (CO4)

Discuss practice guidelines and malpractice prevention (CO2)

Requirements:

You are a family nurse practitioner employed in a busy primary care office. The providers in the group include one physician and three nurse practitioners. The back office staff includes eight medical assistants who assist with patient care as well as filing, answering calls from patients, processing laboratory results and taking prescription renewal requests from patients and pharmacies. Stephanie, a medical assistant, has worked in the practice for 10 years and is very proficient at her job. She knows almost every patient in the practice, and has an excellent rapport with all of the providers.

Mrs. Smith was seen today in the office for an annual physical. Her last appointment was a year ago for the same reason. During this visit, Mrs. Smith brought an empty bottle of amoxicillin with her and asked if she could have a refill. You noted the patient’s name on the label, and the date on the bottle was 1 week ago. You also noted your name printed on the label as the prescriber. The patient admitted that she called last week concerned about her cough and spoke to Stephanie. You do not recall having discussed this patient with Stephanie nor do the other providers in the practice.

Case Study Questions:

What are the potential ethical and legal implications for each of the following practice members?

Medical assistant

Nurse Practitioner

Medical Director

Practice

What strategies would you implement to prevent further episodes of potentially illegal behavior?

What leadership qualities would you apply to effect a positive change in the practice?? Be thinking about the culture of the practice.

 

MORE INFO 

Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing

Introduction

The role of nurse practitioner has seen a dramatic change in the last decade. NPs are now recognized by many healthcare systems as a full member of the healthcare team, with their own specialty boards and certifications. However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed if we want advanced practice nurses (APNs) to continue growing in numbers and impact within the field of nursing.

Lack of formal recognition for nurse practitioners (NPs) in many healthcare systems

If you’re a nurse practitioner, it’s important to know that there are many different roles for which you can be trained. For example, some NPs have more advanced training than others. Some of this additional training includes:

• Advanced clinical skills (e.g., pain management)

• Specialized knowledge in the diagnosis or treatment of a specific condition (e.g., diabetes)

• Clinical research expertise (e.g., oncology)

Shifting demographics of advanced practice nurses

The demographics of advanced practice nurses are shifting. The aging population and the growing number of NPs who are part of the baby boomer generation, as well as millennials—the majority of whom are women and racial minorities—are driving these changes.

Changing health policy trends

• The role of NPs is changing.

• The role of NPs is expanding.

• The role of NPs is becoming more complex.

• The role of NPs is becoming more specialized.

• The role of NPs is becoming more independent

Changes in healthcare require changes in the NP role

As a result of changes in healthcare, the role of advanced practice nursing has evolved to meet both the needs of patients and the needs of healthcare providers. The NP role has changed to reflect these changes.

• Patients are increasingly calling for more holistic care that addresses their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

• Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are increasingly required to specialize in areas such as behavioral health or pain management as a result of new health policies designed to improve patient outcomes by providing integrated care across multiple settings such as home health services with an interdisciplinary team approach between an APN and physician; hospice care; long-term care facilities like assisted living communities where residents live independently but receive assistance with daily activities such as bathing & dressing themselves each day; etcetera…

Conclusion

While the role and responsibilities of advanced practice nurses are changing, the need for these nurse practitioners is not. The increasing demand for care from aging populations and an aging workforce is motivating more healthcare providers to consider people with advanced degrees—and this need will only continue to grow as our population ages.