Nursing Leadership and Change Management

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Being cost conscious as a nurse and a nurse leader can be challenging. There are multiple considerations that contribute to cost-consciousness that should be kept in mind. As direct caregivers, nurses are often involved in determining the type and quantity of resources used for patients. This includes supplies, personnel, and time. Decisions made by nurse leaders will directly impact the cost of care for patients cared for within their organization.
In this week’s discussion, reflect on the role of the nurse leader in fiscal management decision making. Address the following:
• Provide two different examples that demonstrate how nurse leaders can impact cost of care through cost-containment efforts surrounding budgeting, expense reporting, personnel/staffing decisions, or reimbursement.
• Discuss how implementing evidence-based practice can contribute to cost-containment efforts within healthcare organizations.
• Provide one example of an evidence-based change that can impact healthcare costs.
• Reflect on your work as a nurse. After reviewing the content in this module, how will your practice change in the future concerning fiscal and resource management? What specific changes will you make in your practice?

Sample Solution

Nurses, and particularly nurse leaders, play a critical role in promoting cost-containment within healthcare organizations. Here’s a breakdown of their impact:

Cost-Containment Efforts:

  • Budgeting and Expense Reporting:
    • Example 1: Standardizing Supplies:A nurse leader can analyze usage data and identify opportunities to standardize specific supplies across departments. This reduces purchasing costs and minimizes waste due to unused or expired items.
    • Example 2: Monitoring Overtime:Nurse leaders can monitor overtime trends and implement strategies to minimize unnecessary overtime. This might involve improved scheduling practices, cross-training staff, or hiring additional per diem nurses for peak times.
  • Personnel and Staffing Decisions:
    • Example 1: Skill Mix Optimization:A nurse leader can assess patient acuity levels and adjust staffing accordingly. Utilizing certified nursing assistants (CNAs) for appropriate tasks frees up registered nurses (RNs) to focus on complex needs, improving efficiency and potentially reducing overall staffing costs.
  • Reimbursement:
    • Example: Streamlining Documentation:Clear and concise documentation ensures accurate coding and maximizes reimbursement from insurance companies. Nurse leaders can implement standardized documentation templates and conduct training to improve documentation practices.

Evidence-Based Practice for Cost-Containment:

Implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) directly contributes to cost-containment efforts. EBP ensures interventions are effective and minimize unnecessary procedures or treatments that can inflate healthcare costs.

Example: Early Discharge after Surgery: Research suggests for certain low-risk surgeries, patients can recover safely at home with proper support systems. Implementing protocols for early discharge can reduce hospital stay lengths, saving the organization on room and board expenses.

My Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility:

As a nurse, after reviewing this module, I will incorporate the following changes into my practice:

  • Promote Standardization:I will advocate for standardizing supplies whenever possible. This reduces waste and improves cost-efficiency.
  • Question Ordering Practices:I will question unnecessary tests or procedures ordered for patients. This encourages a culture of cost-consciousness and ensures resources are used judiciously.
  • Stay Current with EBP:I will actively seek out and implement evidence-based practices in my nursing care. This ensures I am providing effective care while minimizing unnecessary interventions.
  • Document Diligently:I will ensure my documentation is clear, concise, and complete. This minimizes errors and maximizes reimbursement from insurance companies.

By adopting these changes, I can contribute to cost-containment efforts within my healthcare organization and ensure resources are used efficiently to provide optimal patient care.

 

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