NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study

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NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study Instructions

Purpose

The purpose of this discussion is to discuss organizational changes and ethical-legal influences in a clinical scenario at an outpatient family practice. Students will explore potential effects on patient outcomes and ethical and legal implications for members of the health care team as a result of illegal behaviors.  Students will develop strategies that result in the prevention of untoward outcomes that result in a positive practice culture. Have a look at NR506NP Week 3 Quality Healthcare: Measuring NP Performance.

Activity Learning Outcomes

Through this discussion, the student will demonstrate the ability to: 

  • Demonstrate effective leadership styles in the management of organizational change (CO3) 
  • Interpret various forms of ethical theories and application into practice (CO4) 
  • Discuss practice guidelines and malpractice prevention (CO2) 

Due Date: Wednesday by 11:59 pm MST of Week 2 

Initial responses to the discussion topic must be posted by Wednesday 11:59 pm MT. Two additional posts to peers and/or faculty are due by Sunday at 11:59 pm MT.  Students are expected to submit assignments by the time they are due.

 A 10% late penalty will be imposed for discussions posted after the deadline on Wednesday of week 2, regardless of the number of days late. NOTHING will be accepted after 11:59 pm MT on Sunday (i.e. student will receive an automatic 0). 

Total Points Possible: 100

Preparing the Discussion

You are a family nurse practitioner employed in a busy primary care office. The providers in the group include one physician and three nurse practitioners. The back office staff includes eight medical assistants who assist with patient care as well as filing, answering calls from patients, processing laboratory results and taking prescription renewal requests from patients and pharmacies. Stephanie, a medical assistant, has worked in the practice for 10 years and is very proficient at her job. She knows almost every patient in the practice, and has an excellent rapport with all of the providers. 

Mrs. Smith was seen today in the office for an annual physical. Her last appointment was a year ago for the same reason. During this visit, Mrs. Smith brought an empty bottle of amoxicillin with her and asked if she could have a refill. You noted the patient’s name on the label, and the date on the bottle was 1 week ago. You also noted your name printed on the label as the prescriber. The patient admitted that she called last week concerned about her cough and spoke to Stephanie. You do not recall having discussed this patient with Stephanie nor do the other providers in the practice. 

Case Study Questions: 

  1. What are the potential ethical and legal implications for each of the following practice members? 

    1. Medical assistant
    1. Nurse Practitioner
    1. Medical Director
    1. Practice
  2. What strategies would you implement to prevent further episodes of potentially illegal behavior? 
  3. What leadership qualities would you apply to effect a positive change in the practice?  Be thinking about the culture of the practice.
  4. A scholarly resource must be used for EACH discussion question each week.

NR506 Week 2 Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study Example

Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study

This case study analysis examines a situation in the rapidly evolving healthcare field where ethical and legal issues arise, posing potential threats to the professional reputation of various members of the medical team. By critically analyzing the actions and responsibilities of the medical assistant, nurse practitioner, medical director, and the entire practice as a whole, this discussion aims to illuminate the complex ethical and legal challenges that healthcare professionals face in their daily work. Additionally, it explores strategies for preventing future occurrences of potentially unlawful behavior and discusses important leadership qualities needed to drive positive change within the practice. The significance of building an ethical and compliant culture in healthcare is also emphasized.

Potential Ethical and Legal Implications for Each Practice Member

Ethics pertain to distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable behavior, serving as guidelines for conduct in various professions. In the health professions, specifically, codes of conduct play a significant role, as they outline social norms, rules, and responsibilities, as well as the proper practices expected from practitioners (Musoke et al., 2020). Stephanie’s actions raise serious concerns regarding ethics and legality. Accepting a prescription renewal request from Mrs. Smith without proper authorization from a healthcare provider can be considered practicing medicine without a necessary license. Moreover, falsely attributing this prescription to me, a nurse practitioner who did not prescribe it, adds further complications to the situation.

Stephanie may face disciplinary action by the state medical board or legal consequences as a result of her actions. As a nurse practitioner, it is essential to adhere to ethical standards and legal requirements when prescribing medications (Haahr et al., 2020). By ensuring that prescriptions are based on proper evaluation, you can uphold professional integrity and avoid potential consequences such as disciplinary action or legal issues regarding unsafe prescribing practices. These situations may leave me susceptible to potential accusations of healthcare fraud. Nurses are responsible for protecting the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations by taking necessary actions in response to situations where a co-worker, another individual, a policy or practice, or the misuse of technology threatens their well-being (International Council of Nurses, 2021).

The medical director needs to investigate the situation thoroughly, address any potential misconduct, and take appropriate corrective measures if necessary. Neglecting these actions could result in legal and regulatory complications not only for the medical director but also for the practice. The practice may encounter legal and ethical issues due to the medical assistant’s actions. Without taking corrective measures and implementing preventive strategies, there is a possibility that the staff could engage in further violations, holding the practice accountable for these infractions.

Strategies to Prevent Further Episodes of Potentially Illegal Behavior

To prevent similar future occurrences, all stakeholders must work together and communicate effectively. As a nurse practitioner, it is crucial to maintain and teach professional boundaries and skills to ensure patient safety. This includes teaching the identification of conflicts of interest as well as methods to avoid them (International Council of Nurses, 2021).

In addition, the nurse practitioner should establish strong professional connections with both patients and colleagues. It is crucial to make decisions based on professional expertise and ethics, rejecting any form of gifts or bribes and avoiding situations that could lead to conflicts of interest. The facility’s policy-making body should establish comprehensive policies and procedures for prescription renewals and patient interactions to ensure effective management.

It is vital to ensure that all staff members, including medical assistants, are familiar with these guidelines and follow them consistently (Milliken, 2018). One way to implement stricter access control measures is by limiting electronic health records and prescription renewal privileges solely to authorized healthcare professionals. This ensures that only qualified personnel can enter and renew prescriptions within the system, enhancing security and reducing potential risks. Additionally, it is crucial for the institution to audit and review prescription renewals regularly. This will help ensure that only authorized personnel are performing these tasks and that they are being done based on appropriate assessments.

Leadership Qualities to Effect a Positive Change in The Practice

To effect a positive change in the practice, I would prioritize accountability and team collaboration as essential leadership qualities. It is crucial to be open and transparent about ethical and legal compliance, ensuring that all staff members understand its importance. Clear communication is key when implementing changes or improvements (American College of Healthcare Executives, 2022).

Holding each member of my supervision accountable for their actions and adherence to policies will create a culture of responsibility throughout the entire team. Additionally, promoting constant medical and nursing education and fostering clear communication channels will encourage collaboration and teamwork within the practice (Milliken, 2018). Creating an environment where concerns can be reported comfortably fosters trust among all members while also encouraging them to seek clarification when unsure about proper procedures.

Conclusion

Healthcare team members must always work within the boundaries of their authority. They should demonstrate appropriate control and supervision in all aspects of their responsibilities, following professional, ethical, and legal guidelines. This case study highlights the importance of establishing clear boundaries and educating individuals, through policies, leadership, and effective team communication, about the value of respecting the ethical principles inherent in various professions.

References

American College of Healthcare Executives. (2022, December 5). ACHE Code of Ethics. Ache.org. https://www.ache.org/about-ache/our-story/our-commitments/ethics/ache-code-of-ethics

Haahr, A., Norlyk, A., Martinsen, B., & Dreyer, P. (2020). Nurses experiences of ethical dilemmas: A review. Nursing Ethics, 27(1), 258–272. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733019832941

International Council of Nurses. (2021). The ICN code of ethics for nurses. Nursing Ethics, 8(4), 375–379. https://www.icn.ch/sites/default/files/2023-06/ICN_Code-of-Ethics_EN_Web.pdf

Milliken, A. (2018). Ethical awareness: What it is and why it matters. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.3912/ojin.vol23no01man01

Musoke, D., Ssemugabo, C., Ndejjo, R., Molyneux, S., & Ekirapa-Kiracho, E. (2020). Ethical Practice in My Work: Community Health Workers’ Perspectives on Using Photovoice in Wakiso District, Uganda. BMC Medical Ethics, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-020-00505-2