Nursing quality scenario | c489 | Western Governors University
The application of nursing-quality indicators could assist nurses in this case to identify issues that may interfere with patient care. Quality indicators provide objective data that can be used to measure the quality and effectiveness of nursing care. These indicators focus on the processes and outcomes of nursing care, giving an indication if certain areas of practice may need improvement or have potential risks for patient safety and quality of care. For example, measuring time frames for administering medications helps determine whether a nurse is following medication protocols; documenting readmission rates help indicate whether improvements should be made in discharge planning; and tracking patient falls can alert nurses to potential safety problems at the facility.
Quality indicator data can also be analyzed by the nurse manager to help her identify trends from within her own unit as well as across other units or facilities. This information can inform how changes need to be implemented, such as additional staff training programs or adjusting workflow processes within the unit. By monitoring these indicators regularly, nurses can ensure their own practice is up-to-date with best practices while furthering their efforts toward providing safe and effective patient care.