Introduction
Examining a case study featuring Cheryl, a cardiac unit nurse who engaged in unprofessional conduct and broke professional norms. Cheryl’s actions are observed, affected the patients, and discussed how the ANA Scope and Standards of Professional Practice in Nursing are still relevant today. The paper considers the consequences of this case study and how it might affect clinical experiences.
Section One: Case Study Overview and Personal Impressions
Cheryl, a cardiac unit nurse who expresses displeasure and grumbles about many elements of her job, is the subject of the case study. Patients have heard her complaining and noticed her negative attitude, which has made the workplace unpleasant and given them the impression that she is complaining about them. Her colleagues have retreated from her due to her behavior, which raises questions about her professionalism.
Reading this case study elicits a variety of feelings and thoughts. First, Cheryl’s conduct is alarming since it contradicts the principles and standards of the nursing profession. Having a cheerful outlook, showing compassion, and giving patients their full attention are expectations for nurses. Besides, Cheryl’s continual complaints poison the workplace and might affect patient outcomes. Witnessing another nurse act with such negativity and disrespect for the patient’s health is demoralizing. The case study acts as a reminder of how crucial professionalism is in nursing. Moreover, professionalism includes the information and abilities necessary for the profession and the attitudes, behaviors, and ethical standards that direct how the nurse interacts with patients, coworkers, and the rest of the healthcare team (Arnold & Boggs, 2019). Cheryl’s actions call into doubt her dedication to the nursing profession and the professionalism expected of nurses.
The case study emphasizes the possible repercussions of misbehaving. Patients who heard Cheryl complain about their treatment could feel upset, misunderstood, or even afraid they will not get good care. Furthermore, the nurse-patient connection based on empathy and trust is crucial to encourage good health outcomes (Arnold & Boggs, 2019). Cheryl’s behavior could undermine such trust, jeopardizing the therapeutic relationship and affecting patient satisfaction and treatment adherence. This case study emphasizes the value of accountability and self-reflection in nursing practice.
Section Two: Health and Social Issues in the Case Study Population
The case study emphasizes the potential health and social problems that might develop in the people Cheryl’s behavior may affect. Patients who hear Cheryl complain may go through various emotional and psychological reactions that may affect their well-being and the nurse-patient relationship. A severe health problem that could develop is a deterioration of trust between the patient and the medical staff. Besides, patients depend on medical professionals to give them knowledgeable, sensitive care, so when they overhear a nurse making harsh remarks, it can make them feel undervalued or unimportant.
Patients who hear Cheryl’s complaints could also feel emotionally distressed. They could internalize the criticism and feel guilty for the care’s alleged flaws. Moreover, this can jeopardize their general well-being and rehabilitation by increasing their worry, tension, and sense of vulnerability. In addition to the effects on specific patients, Cheryl’s actions have wider social repercussions within the medical staff. Besides, a toxic workplace can result in low morale, unhappiness, and a higher worker turnover rate (Butts & Rich, 2022). As a result, it impairs healthcare personnel’s ability to work together, collaborate, and communicate effectively, ultimately lowering the standard of care they offer patients. Important patient information may only be successfully transmitted when healthcare providers cooperate, which could result in mistakes, delays, and decreased patient safety.
The solution to these social and health problems must be multifaceted. First and foremost, fostering a climate of professionalism and deference within the healthcare industry is crucial (Duffy, 2022). Also, promoting open communication, constructive concern expression, and rapid problem-solving among nurses is essential. Patient care and outcomes can be enhanced by fostering a collaborative and team-oriented work atmosphere (Butts & Rich, 2022). Besides, interventions emphasize improving healthcare providers’ emotional intelligence and communication abilities. Building trust, comprehending patient requirements, and providing patient-centered care depend on effective communication (Fitzgerald, 2020). Healthcare personnel can enhance their interactions with patients and coworkers by developing active listening, empathy, and practical conflict-resolution skills.
Section Three: Assumptions, Biases, and Lessons Learned
Examining any preconceptions or biases about professionalism and how it affects patient care is essential in light of this case study. Examining attitudes, behaviors, and professionalism in healthcare settings prompts support for improved patient outcomes and collaborative culture by respecting professional standards of practice and acting professionally in interactions with patients and colleagues (Duffy, 2022). Applying the lessons from this case study to future patient care requires first realizing how crucial professionalism is in creating a favorable healthcare environment. Adhering to professional standards of practice enhances patient outcomes and collaborative culture.
Section Four: ANA Standards of Professional Practice
Standard 3: Ethics
Concerning Cheryl’s adherence to the moral standards specified in the ANA Scope and Standards of Professional Practice, her actions raise questions. Nurses must conduct themselves with moral courage, integrity, and ethics. Cheryl’s continual complaints and pessimistic outlook reveal a lack of professionalism and violate fundamental ethical standards. The well-being and dignity of patients must come first in nursing ethics. Cheryl imperils the dignity and confidentiality of the patients by expressing her displeasure publicly without using discretion. Patients who hear her complaints may receive them as criticism or devaluation, which could cause distress, mistrust, and a strained nurse-patient relationship (Duffy, 2022). She may also foster a hostile work environment, which could affect the quality of patient treatment.
Standard 4: Communication
A key component of nursing practice is effective communication. Cheryl frequently complains, which creates a lousy communication atmosphere that impedes efficient teamwork, collaboration, and patient-centered treatment. Communication is essential to foster strong connections between healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes (Fitzgerald, 2020). Cheryl’s gloomy outlook may lower her coworkers’ motivation and morale, resulting in strained relationships and decreased cooperation. When there is a communication breakdown, it may be easier to effectively relay crucial patient information, which could lead to mistakes, delays in care, and decreased patient safety.
Cheryl should promote polite and open communication with her coworkers to sustain the communication standard. To do this, you must actively listen to others, offer helpful criticism, and encourage a culture of cooperation and teamwork. By upholding good communication, Cheryl may foster an excellent work atmosphere and enhance patient outcomes.
Leadership is another relevant standard. Upholding this quality entails supporting the profession, helping others grow professionally, and advocating for it. Cheryl’s lack of professionalism undercuts her function as a mentor and leader and prevents the growth of a supportive work environment.
Personal prejudices, stress, exhaustion, and a lack of understanding or accountability can hinder these standards (Arnold & Boggs, 2019). Self-reflection, continued education, assistance from peers and mentors, and a dedication to upholding professional integrity are all necessary for overcoming these challenges.
Conclusion
The case study of Cheryl highlights the importance of professionalism and adherence to standards of practice in nursing. Upholding these standards is crucial for providing high-quality patient care, fostering a positive work environment, and maintaining the integrity and reputation of the nursing profession. By recognizing our assumptions, biases, and the lessons learned from this case study, we can apply them to future patient encounters, promoting professionalism and improving outcomes for those under our care.
References
Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2019). Interpersonal relationships e-book: professional communication skills for nurses. Elsevier Health Sciences.https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=XC2GDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Professionalism+and+Standards+of+Practice+in+Nursing:+A+Case+Study+Analysis&ots=NqZl4ZZKNV&sig=0F8WPeMHIllpcnNdVYBIGfsGv6k&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Professionalism%20and%20Standards%20of%20Practice%20in%20Nursing%3A%20A%20Case%20Study%20Analysis&f=false
Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2022). Nursing ethics: Across the curriculum and into practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=bvSGEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Professionalism+and+Standards+of+Practice+in+Nursing:+A+Case+Study+Analysis&ots=4RIjG3ZjcO&sig=NFTL9ptAwiIfmCIdoqEXqqOQjIQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Professionalism%20and%20Standards%20of%20Practice%20in%20Nursing%3A%20A%20Case%20Study%20Analysis&f=false
Duffy, J. R. (2022). Quality caring in nursing and health systems: Implications for clinicians, educators, and leaders. Springer Publishing Company.https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=OPN8EAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Professionalism+and+Standards+of+Practice+in+Nursing:+A+Case+Study+Analysis&ots=eI2zdf8qL7&sig=-Dc55O3DOgqTTF_JGihBeyMo9hE&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
Fitzgerald, A. (2020, July). Professional identity: A concept analysis. In Nursing Forum (Vol. 55, No. 3, pp. 447–472).https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anita-Fitzgerald-2/publication/340458105_Professional_identity_A_concept_analysis/links/5f68d678458515b7cf468166/Professional-identity-A-concept-analysis.pdf
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