Running head IMPROVING THE WORK ENVIRONMENT1IMPROVING THE WO.docx
- 1. Running head: IMPROVING THE WORK ENVIRONMENT 1 IMPROVING THE WORK ENVIRONMENT 7 Improving the Work Environment Student name University January, 2019 Improving the Work Environment Improving the work environment within a hospital facility is a primary goal that overlooked at by nurse leaders and other healthcare managers. Even nurses focus on the welfare of the patients and sometimes forget to look into their own well-being. The management which sometimes includes stakeholders is usually so fixated on the clients that they overlook the well- being of the nurses who do most of the care giving. The focus is on the outcome and ignores the people in the process. As a result, nurses experience tough challenges that even complicate and make them unable to perform their duties the way they should (Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing, at the Institute of Medicine, & Institute of Medicine, 2014). Statement of the problem
- 2. The environment that nurses work is full of traumatic events that also affect the nurses psychologically. They deal with sick children, burn victims, the dying cancer patients who are people in extreme pain. They are not immune to this human suffering. They struggle with depression, grief, and loss as well. The sad assumption made is that it is a job and they should somehow not be affected, but in most cases they are. The issues they see on a daily basis slowly eats away on their sanity and sometimes results in depression or even addiction. About ten percent of the nurses working in the United States are on drugs as a coping mechanism for the trauma they experience on a daily basis (Finkelman, 2018). Besides, their state of mind is made worse by doctors who look down upon their jobs and use inappropriate language or sexually abuse the nurses. Nurses have to cater to all kinds of patients including some very passive aggressive and narcissistic patients who continually frustrate them to such a considerable extent. They are insulted, spat on, vomited on, even defecated on, and nobody cares to take care of their mental well-being after such painful experiences. The empathy that they give on a daily basis is never reciprocated back to them. Thirdly, the occupational health and safety are not adequately considered. Many nurses report joint pains, back, and other issues right after a shift. In worst case scenarios nurses are overworked and majorly understaffed. The work they do is seldom recognized as much as the doctors’. They are often ignored and looked down upon. This results in low job satisfaction and poor motivation for work (Jones et al., 2012). It leads to a compromise of the quality of care they give to patents and n addition the low motivation may result in errors. Burnouts are the primary cause of failures in healthcare facilities. It leads to depression and low morale even for life give that the nature of their work is hugely daunting. Evidence-based interventions The most practical approach would be carrying out needs assessment that is incredibly inclusive (Jones et al., 2012).
- 3. Also, open channels of communication should always be available so that the nurses air any concerns they have. There should be dialogue forums and discussions on how to tackle challenges prevalent within a healthcare facility. The staffing should always be considerate, and nurse leaders should be extremely keen on how shifts are allocated no matter the workload. At any given time, any nurse that is feeling overworked should be replaced and given time to rest adequately. The staffing manager should also identify the departments most notorious for overworking the nurses. Potential barriers When it comes to patient care, the aim is to minimize costs as much as possible. Managers do not like to keep hiring and training staff especially nurses where the workload is intense. Also, other team members who feel that their workload is not being attended might oppose changes in the schedule for the nurses (Jones et al., 2012). Some doctors may prefer certain shifts more which make it more complicated. In some cases, leaders who pay attention to nurses’ grievances are resisted by the team and are not supported. The organization may not like the idea of having to provide therapists and psychologists for nurses because it is costly and time-consuming. Strategies to overcome barriers to change The most effective strategies to overcoming barriers and change have participative leadership. This ensures that the goals that are set are all-inclusive and cater to the needs of all parties .Also, the leadership should have effective communication within which all challenges are adequately addressed, and the key areas of concern identified. Cases of psychological disturbances or incidences should always be reported, and awareness should be encouraged (Finkelman, 2018). The teams should also build trust among themselves so that there is an open line of communication. Pharmacists, technicians, nurses, doctors, nurse-aids and other professionals should go through training on each other’s scope so that they are educated on how
- 4. to approach issues. Counseling should be offered on a regular basis to the nurses. Plan to implement evidence-based interventions Cooperative relationships among the doctor, nurses, technicians, and other staff should be encouraged through effective leadership (Grossman, 2013). There should be a smooth flow of communication among team members so that outliers or incidences of absenteeism, depression or drug abuse are easily recognized and attended. Besides, interprofessional teams should be able to access mental wellness facilities within the institution whenever they are under stress and a statistical report generated that can be reported. These measures strengthen the teams and make it easier to identify challenges affecting the groups. Root cause analysis The most effective method would be first investigative research on the work environment that the nurses work. These may include surveys, questioners and forums. The aim is to allow the nurses an opportunity to express themselves freely without fear of victimization. Research is a significant part of the needs assessment that the nurses should have. The analysis should be carried out by impartial professionals who have no interests within the facility to avoid tampering of the results. In addition, any cases that are of concern should be reported promptly. Recommendations Nurses should be allowed to rest adequately even within a shift if one feels overwhelmed. Besides, the hospital should provide supportive care and group cohesion among Interprofessional teams so that there exists a good rapport between all the staff. Whenever there is a discrepancy, there should be laid out guidelines on the steps to take so that victimization does not occur. There should be constant forums of expression and support. Collaborative decision making helps to make the nurses feel represented (Grossman, 2013). Whenever their grievances are not addressed, they should have a way to channel them.
- 5. Nurses should always be empowered in their workplaces. Their professional identity should not be ignored but recognized at all times and even rewarded in exceptional cases. Conclusion The working environment of nurses should be looked into. There are many cases of inadequate patient care that have been linked to the climate that nurses operate. Nurses are under constant pressure to perform, but their emotional needs rarely looked into. In a nutshell, they experience a degradation of their job, and sadly it affects the quality of care they give to patients. Leadership and the management may resist the counter- measures because of the cost implications but the consequences of errors that may result in preventable death far outweigh these costs. It is fundamental to look after the nurses’ well-being because it reflects the overall performance of the hospital. They are an integral part of the recovery process and determine the speed at which healing occurs. References Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing, at the Institute of Medicine, & Institute of Medicine. (2014). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Finkelman, A. W. (2018). Professional nursing concepts: Competencies for quality leadership. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett. Grossman, S. (2013). Mentoring in Nursing: A Dynamic and Collaborative Process. New York: Springer Publishing Co. Jones, C., Finkler, S. A., & Kovner, C. T. (2012). Financial Management for Nurse Managers and Executives - E-Book. Running head: WEEK 3 ASSIGNMENT 1 1 WEEK 3 ASSIGMENT 1 5
- 6. Week 3 Assignment 1 Student Full Name Strayer University BUS499 Business Administration Capstone Dr. Keller Date Everything in Blue should be deleted Due Week 3 and worth 115 points Choose one (1) public corporation in an industry with which you are familiar. For a list of companies you can choose from, go to https://www.forbes.com/top-public- companies/list/5/#tab:overall . Research the company on its own Website, the public filings on the Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR database (http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml), in the University's online databases, and any other sources you can find. The annual report will often provide insights that can help address some of these questions. NOTE: Be sure to read Chapters 1 -3 in the course textbook and complete the LEARN E-Activities for Weeks 1-3 as they set the foundation to this assignment. In the instructions below look for hyperlinks that provide deeper, more specific video instructions/insights. Be sure to cite your sources! Begin your paper on Page 2 below by writing a minimum of four (4) pages (does not include Title or Reference pages) in which you: Week 3 Assignment 1 Write your introduction here: It should be one (1) good paragraph (not more than 1 paragraph) to introduce the reader to your topic and it should explain in detail what your paper will
- 7. be discussing. Much of your introduction may be taken from the assignment itself (in your own words). Read the scenario to get a feel for what the paper is about and explain what your paper will be discussing – so be sure to review the Assignment instructions AND Rubric for understanding. Finally, please ask me any questions about this assignment. Globalization Provide thorough thought and research by assessing how globalization changes have impacted the corporation you researched. Consider how your chosen company has been involved in expanding globally? Consider how has the company been impacted by global competition, global economy. Read Chapters 1-3 in the course text book as each chapter provides a solid background and clues on Globalization that apply to this section. Review the Week 1 & 2 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. (See NOTE on Title Page above) (cite your sources). Technology Evaluate how technology changes have impacted the corporation you researched. Consider how the company been impacted by cloud computing, social media, crowdfunding, program apps, email, texting, websites, mobile, automation, robotics, IOT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), e-commerce, data and analytics, etc. Research how the company may have been impacted by diffusion and disruptive technologies as explained in the textbook. Read Chapters 1-3 in the course text book as each chapter provides a solid background and clues on Technology that apply to this section. Review the Week 1 & 2 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. (See NOTE on Title Page above) (cite your sources) Industrial-Based Model Apply the industrial organization model to determine how your corporation could earn above-average returns (i.e. revenue). Briefly define the industrial organization model as discussed in your text book. This is based upon the firms’ external
- 8. environment which is anything outside of the firm that can influence or impact its business (macro)/operations (micro). Consider its competition, government, regulation, legal, economic, financial, customer attitudes, suppliers, etc. Read Chapter 1 in the course text book as each chapter it provides a solid background and clues on this model that apply to this section. Review the Week 1 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. (See NOTE on Title Page above) (cite your sources) Resource-Based Model Apply the resource-based model to determine how your corporation could earn above-average returns (i.e. revenue). Briefly define the resource-based model as discussed in your text book. Consider the firms unique resources (corporate culture, land, location, equipment, brand, reputation, trademarks, patents, etc.) and capabilities (skills, experience, capabilities, etc. that set it apart from its competition). What about the firms internal structure helps it achieve its financial results. Read Chapter 1 in the course text book as it provides a solid background and clues on this model that apply to this section. Review the Week 1 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. (See NOTE on Title Page above) (cite your sources) Vision Evaluate how the vision statement of the corporation influences its overall success. Include the actual vision statement for your chosen company (be sure to quote and cite per SWS or APA). Consider the link between vision and Chapter 1. Read Chapter 1 in the course text book as each it provide a solid background and clues on vision that apply to this section. Review the Week 1 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. (See NOTE on Title Page above) (cite your sources) Mission Describe how the mission statement of the corporation influences its overall success. Include the actual mission statement for your chosen company (be sure to quote and cite
- 9. per SWS or APA). Consider the link between vision and Chapter 1. Read Chapter 1 in the course text book as it provides a solid background and clues on mission that apply to this section. Review the Week 1 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. (See NOTE on Title Page above) (cite your sources) Stakeholders Assess how each category of stakeholder impacts the overall success of this corporation. Consider its employees, stockholders, customers, suppliers, community, creditors, unions, etc. Study Chapter 1 for additional background on Stakeholders as it provides a solid background on stakeholders that apply to this section. Review the Week 1 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. (See NOTE on Title Page above) (cite your sources) References Use at least three (3) quality references, one of which should be the course text book. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: List your reference here. The reference page must include all of the references you used, listed in. All references listed here must be used (cited) in your paper. After deleting the blue fonts in this template, make sure your original writing is turned to a black font. Note: You will be graded on the quality of your answers, the logic/organization of the report, your language skills, and your writing skills. NOTE: Strayer uses SafeAssign – an automated plagiarism checker. It is advised that you do your own writing and use external resources (other websites) to support what you have written in your own words.
- 10. Non-Performance Does not identify other health care professionals to enlist as members of an interprofessional team to drive change in an organization. Faculty Comments:“ No identification of other health care professionals to enlist as members of an interprofessional team to drive change in an organization was provided. Next step is to go back to the literature to find authors who have written about this, so you can cite them to address this criterion. 2- Analyzes barriers and resistance to change, and describes strategies to overcome these barriers and resistance to change from an organization, patients, or colleagues. Faculty Comments:“ I like your discussion of cost and resistance to providing psychological service for nurses as barriers. A more in-depth analysis of ways to overcome these barriers and the consequences of not overcoming these barriers. supported by citations is needed for a higher performance score. Are there authors you could cite who have written about this? 3-Describes evidence-based solutions to a problem and develops a plan to implement these solutions. Faculty Comments:“ I liked your evidence-based plan presented to implement the solution to the problem of nurses who are under psychological stress. For a higher performance score, can you cite some authors who more fully describe methods of evaluation that can be used to test how well these solutions work. Please highlight changes made
- 11. Develop a 4 page proposal for executive leadership that addresses changes you would like to see within your organization that would advance the field of nursing. Nursing is in the midst of many changes. In this assessment you will consider how you can be a driving force to bring about needed change within the field of nursing. By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria: · Competency 1: Explain strategies for effective interprofessional teamwork and collaboration in health care delivery. . Analyze barriers and resistance to change, and describe strategies to overcome these barriers and resistance to change from an organization, patients, or colleagues. . Identify other health care professionals to enlist as members of an interprofessional team to drive change in an organization. · Competency 2: Analyze the implications of working with interprofessional teams in multifaceted health care settings. . Analyze how a problem impacts an organization, patients, or the nursing profession. · Competency 3: Develop evidence-based nursing interventions to address specific problems and enable systemic change. . Describe evidence-based solutions to a problem and develop a plan to implement these solutions. · Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations of a nursing professional. . Write content clearly and logically, with correct use of grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. Use correct APA format. Assessment Instructions Preparation To prepare for this assessment, you will need to think about changes you feel are needed to address a problem either within
- 12. nursing as a professional field or within the organization where you work. Narrow down your options by considering which change would best be undertaken by an interprofessional team. Some examples for you to consider might include: · The use of mobile and portable technology to support patients. · Using evidence-based practice (EBP) to improve patient care. · Increasing patient safety and quality of care. · The use of medical technology such as genes and stem cells, or robots in the OR. · Addressing the nursing shortage now and into the future. · Improving the work environment (providing calm, supportive spaces for nurses; improved dialog between health care professionals). · Better safety for nurses at work (violence, spreading diseases, physical injury). · Substance abuse by health care professionals. Or you can narrow the scope to an issue within your own organization: · Developing a mobility program for an inpatient unit. · Implementing "smart" technology to assist in patient monitoring. · Creating a mentoring program to attract and retain nurses. · Implementing protocols for infection control and/or treatment of an epidemic. · Developing a plan to eliminate physical violence and verbal abuse in the workplace. · Other. Once you have selected an issue to address, look for scholarly and professional articles that focus on the problem, the needed change, and how interprofessional teams can work together to drive change. Requirements Lately you have noticed the need for changes within your organization that would advance the field of nursing. You have decided to develop a proposal and submit it to executive leadership. Format this assessment as a professional proposal.
- 13. You may want to look at how proposals are drafted within your organization and follow that format. You will still need a references page; follow APA guidelines for in-text citations and references. Address the following in your proposal: · Briefly describe the problem and how it impacts the organization, patients, and/or the nursing profession. · Describe possible evidence-based interventions for the problem. · Analyze potential barriers and resistance to change that might come from the organization, patients, and/or colleagues. · Describe strategies to overcome barriers and resistance to change. · Develop a plan to implement evidence-based interventions. What steps would you take? What resources might you need? · Identify other health care professionals to enlist as team members to help drive change in the organization. Your completed assessment should be 4 pages in length, not including title page and references page. Support your statements and intervention plan with references to and citations for at least four scholarly or professional resources. Additional Requirements · Include a title page and references page. · Reference at least four current scholarly or professional resources. · Use APA format for citations and references. · Use Times New Roman font, 12 point. · Double space.