Question

Considering your facility’s risk management policies and procedures, what would be your role (as a Nurse leader)  in ensuring compliance with these procedures and policies? How are these policies evaluated and what role can a nurse leader play in supporting such policies?

Answer 1

ANSWERS:-

1) Role of a nurse leader in ensuing compliance with risk management policies and procedures :-

* Risk management is a system of ensuring appropriate nursing care that attempts to identify potential hazards and eliminate them before harm occurs.

* The steps involved in risk management policies and procedures are:

a)DENTIFYING POSSIBLE RISKS.

b) ANALYZING THE RISK FACTORS.

c) ACTIONS TO REDUCE THE RISKS.

d) EVALUATION OF THE STEPS TAKEN.

##One effective tool used in risk management is the INCIDENT REPORT or OCCURRENCE REPORT.

STEPS :-

* The nurse leader should ensure each nurse under her are aware of policies and procedures of the institution for risk management and different risk factors in the settings and measures to prevent them.This can be achieved through conducting induction programmes at the beginning of each staff appointment. Explain the the institutional policies and procedures regarding risk management.

* Regular follow up and documentation :-

The nurse leader should make sure that each incident is reported and documented with preventive measures.

* Make sure that nurse's under her are strictly following the risk management policies and procedures. Examples,

*Make sure fall precautions are strictly followed for patients with risk for fall like putting bed rails.

*Electronic equipments are checked and assessed for accuracy routinely. (Example- The defibrillator should she checked by the staff nurse in each shift for its functioning, otherwise in emergency when it needs to be used to give defibrillation to a patient with cardiac arrest it may be found not working)

* Supervision of staff in operating room for maintaining count of sponges, needles and other instruments.

* Conduct regular inservice education sessions regarding risk management polices and procedures so that all are aware of it.

2) How are these policies evaluated and what role a nurse leader play in supporting such policies?  

* These policies can be evaluated by conducting periodic analysis and evaluation by a committee. The nurse leader can support such policies by becoming a member of the team and actively involve in policy making and ensuring that the policies and procedures are followed by everyone.

* Evaluate the documents and incident reports to find out whether the policy related to particular risk is adequate and effective? Or is there any thing lacking? what steps can be added to the policy and procedure to prevent such risks?