Understanding Key Nursing Behaviors and Their Impact

Accountability

Definition: Accountability in nursing involves taking responsibility for one’s actions, decisions, and the outcomes of care provided. Nurses are accountable to their patients, their colleagues, and the profession as a whole.  

Positive Example: A nurse administers medication to a patient and monitors their response closely. If an adverse reaction occurs, the nurse takes immediate action to mitigate the harm and reports the incident to the appropriate authorities. This demonstrates accountability for patient safety.

Negative Example: A nurse fails to document a patient’s deteriorating condition, leading to delayed intervention and worsened patient outcomes. This lack of accountability can have serious consequences.  

Personal Actions:

• Patient Care: I will always double-check medication administration and document all interventions accurately and timely.
• Professional Practice: I will adhere to professional standards and seek guidance when needed.

Professional Impact:

• Patient Safety: Accountability ensures safe and effective patient care.  
• Legal and Ethical Compliance: Accountability helps to avoid legal and ethical violations.

Honesty

Definition: Honesty in nursing involves being truthful and transparent in all interactions, both with patients and colleagues.  

Positive Example: A nurse honestly discloses a medication error to the patient and the healthcare team, taking responsibility for the mistake and implementing corrective actions.

Negative Example: A nurse fabricates documentation to avoid disciplinary action, which can lead to serious consequences for patient safety.

Personal Actions:

• Patient Care: I will be truthful and honest with patients, answering their questions to the best of my ability.
• Professional Practice: I will report any errors or near-misses to the appropriate authorities.

Professional Impact:

• Trust and Rapport: Honesty builds trust and rapport with patients and colleagues.  
• Ethical Practice: Honest communication is essential for ethical nursing practice.  

Communication

Definition: Effective communication in nursing involves clear, concise, and respectful communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members.  

Positive Example: A nurse communicates clearly and compassionately with a patient who is receiving a terminal diagnosis, providing emotional support and addressing their concerns.

Negative Example: A nurse fails to communicate a change in a patient’s condition to the physician, leading to delayed intervention.  

Personal Actions:

• Patient Care: I will actively listen to patients and their families, and I will communicate information clearly and concisely.
• Professional Practice: I will participate in effective team communication and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Professional Impact:

• Patient Satisfaction: Effective communication enhances patient satisfaction and improves outcomes.  
• Teamwork: Clear communication fosters teamwork and collaboration among healthcare providers.  

Time Management

Definition: Time management in nursing involves prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and balancing multiple responsibilities.  

Positive Example: A nurse effectively prioritizes tasks, delegates when appropriate, and manages time efficiently to provide quality care to multiple patients.  

Negative Example: A nurse struggles with time management, leading to delayed patient care and increased stress.

Personal Actions:

• Patient Care: I will prioritize tasks based on patient needs and urgency.
• Professional Practice: I will use time management techniques, such as time blocking and task prioritization, to improve efficiency.

Professional Impact:

• Patient Safety: Effective time management ensures timely and appropriate care.  
• Job Satisfaction: Good time management can reduce stress and improve job satisfaction.