Risk Management

Before class I expected to learn about situations that may arise that risk management would need to be involved in. I thought that we might talk about how to deal with these situations as they arise and how different organizations have their risk management departments set up.

I actually learned that most issues arise in the emergency department or L&D/MB. There weren't really any examples of much else so there must not be as big of an issue with other departments. I learned that while I still need to be careful, I shouldn't be as worried about lawsuits as I may have been in the past.

I will use this information by utilizing reporting systems to help improve patient care and always being honest about my conduct, even when I am embarrassed or afraid to speak out about something.

My personal feelings- I am very glad that we didn't have to stay for a full 3 hours. I was nervous when the speaker said she had planned 3 hours of material. Also, it was hard to concentrate with all the high-pitched noises that no one did anything about. The material itself was ok but kind of boring. There were parts that were interesting though.

Future of Nursing

Before class I thought we would talk about where we think the future of nursing is going and what we can do to be a part of it.

What I learned is that it doesn't matter what anyone thinks the future of nursing is or should be because nothing will happen about it anyway.

I will utilize this information by caring less about what happens to nursing as a profession so I don't get mad when everything stays status quo. Oh, and maybe one day I will lobby or try to start a movement for something that really truly matters- for instance not having reimbursement tied to HCAHPS. (completely insane).

My personal feelings....That people are stupid. I think people try too hard to decide on an ideal and try to create it.

Change

My attitude toward change: My attitude toward change is that it makes life more fun and interesting. I actually was offended by our class discussion because people implied that this can only be the case because I have never had to experience extreme change, and that I only like change when I like the change being made. These are both erroneous assumptions. I have had to deal with change in my life, one in particular that affected me adversely for over 6 years. And, I don't always like the changes being made, but I still like change itself. For example, I did not like the change in IV catheters that we were using, but enjoyed the challenge of trying something new. It was really hard for me at first because I was already concerned about my IV skills with the old catheters and assumed I would simply be worse with the new ones. Still, I did like having to relearn the skill. It probably sounds contradictory, but although I was afraid of and didn't "like" the change being made, I still enjoyed the new aspects and opportunities it brought. (this has been a short venting since I decided not to respond to the posts I found offensive to my personal character.)

What I thought we would learn: that healthcare is only changing faster and faster and we better learn to keep up with it.

What I actually learned: People respond to change differently. We have to consider everyone's reactions when making a change.

How I will apply it: continue to enjoy change and help others adapt.

My personal feelings: I was sad to see how others view me by their comments in the discussion. I like change. Whether I like the actual change or not, I like making adjustments. The only time I don't like change is when I clearly see why the new way is stupid, harmful, pointless, or simply a display of power.

Quality Control and Improvement

• What do you consider elements of quality care when receiving healthcare services?
• Receiving care from someone who is caring and explains well and adjusts their routine to be the best for each individual patient
• What do you consider elements of quality care as a professional nurse?
• Clinical expertise and being able to perform accurate, helpful care within the context of each individual patient.
• Are the two similar or different?
• They are different in that as a patient what is most important tends to be bedside manner. As a nurse, I place more emphasis on knowledge and utilization of resources to ensure appropriate care. However, in both cases I think one of the most vital components is the ability to individualize care.

What I expected to learn in class would include the elements (or possible steps) of quality improvement. I thought we would talk about the best way to approach this topic.

I actually learned many ways not to do it, and subsequently a better approach to take. I learned how complex the issue is, and that I am not sure I ever want to have to deal with it! separating out so many things would be so exhausting and never ending.

I can apply this in the future by helping others to see the importance of reviewing the many complexities of an issue before taking action or making a decision. I can also remember not to react to normal variance and overcompensate.

I was a little confused by the videos because it seemed what they were saying is that trying to make changes is bad because you pull yourself further from your goal- however, doing nothing is bad too because over time you will drift from it anyway. So I wonder when are we supposed to intervene? Does this mean that there is no good way/time to make changes? How do you tell the difference between normal variance and a problem to be solved?

Strategic Planning

I expected to learn what it means to strategically plan.

I actually learned some of the importance of planning ahead and consistently evaluating what you already have going on. The world is in a state of constant change, so we need to change too.

I will be more open and responsive to efforts to plan for the future and create a strategy that will help whatever organization I am working for.

I fell like this was a necessary element to learn about but it wasn't the most interesting topic.