Discussion 2: Just Culture NURS 8302 Discussion 2: Just Culture

Discussion 2: Just Culture NURS 8302 Discussion 2: Just Culture

Just Culture is a process of allocating responsibility for events, that is, what is caused by the system, and what is caused by the human component (Barkell & Snyder, 2020). Just Culture strikes a balance between punishment and blamelessness (Rogers et al., 2017). It focuses on the differences between human error, at-risk behaviors, and reckless behavior and assigning justice based on the quality of choice made by the individual (Barkell & Snyder, 2020). It is a balancing system and individual accountability to best support quality, safety, and organizational values. In general, it fosters an environment of openness and fairness to facilitate reporting of errors (Rogers et al., 2017).

Nursing leader’s server as advocates within their organizations. Leaders have requisite knowledge, skills, and understanding and represent the front door into the healthcare service delivery. Nursing leaders need to be comfortable withing their administrative structures to use their powers to advocate for the role of nurses. Advocating in policy discussions to help reduce health care cost and improvement in patients’ outcomes and quality of life through collaborative team-based care. (Stevenson, 2021) Advocating for nursing staff can begins with assessing needs. Do the nurses have the correct tools they need to provide best practice care. Are nurses being treated fairly and are they assuring measures to prevent nursing fatigue and burn out such as appropriate breaks and lunches.

Explanation of whether my Organization Uses a Just Culture

My organization transitioned to a just culture several years ago where colleagues are encouraged and supported to do the right thing. It is a culture that promotes open and honest discussions when errors occur. Frontline staff is included in root cause analysis meetings to discuss adverse events and identify opportunities for improvement. A consistent review process of behavior and action is utilized. My organization believes it is essential to learn from our mistakes and improve procedures and policies to impact quality, safety, and patient care positively. My organization’s culture is to be fair and work with colleagues to be better.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-Prepared Nurses Role

The role of the DNP-prepared nurse in promoting a just culture environment is a commitment to safety throughout the organizations (PSNet, 2019). The DNP-prepared nurse must strive for consistent and safe operations. This week’s learnings identified four common themes in a just culture in healthcare.

For the DNP-prepared nurse, it is essential to encourage reporting errors to identify opportunities and seek solutions, achieve a balance in accountability and fairness, ensure leaders are committed and educated on just culture (Barkell & Snyder, 2020). Ultimately it must be an organizational priority (Barkell & Snyder, 2020). Leading by example and ongoing review of the critical components of a just culture with leadership and staff is an example of supporting a just culture environment. Just culture in healthcare aims to manage the behavioral choices of individuals, improve system design, and provide quality, safe patient care.

References

Barkell, N. P., & Snyder, S. (2020). Just culture in healthcare: An integrative review. Nursing Forum, 56(1), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12525