Evidence and Practice
Strengthening quality assurance by implementing an evidence-based revision of a ward accreditation programme
Using change management to implement barcode medicines administration technology
Effect of nurse managers’ leadership styles on predicted nurse turnover
Clinical
Strengthening quality assurance by implementing an evidence-based revision of a ward...
Why you should read this article: • To recognise the role of ward accreditation in ensuring healthcare organisations are providing safe and effective care • To enhance your knowledge of the elements of an effective ward accreditation programme that supports quality assurance • To understand how evidence-based changes can be implemented successfully in healthcare settings Ward accreditation is fundamental in contemporary healthcare delivery. One NHS trust in southwest England that had been placed in special measures introduced a ward accreditation programme – known as the ASPIRE programme – but the trust’s senior nursing leadership team raised concerns about the level of quality assurance provided. Therefore, the trust revised its newly created ward accreditation programme, referring to the evidence base to re-evaluate the metrics used for assessment. Five new elements, including direct registered nurse care time and ward climate, were introduced in the accreditation process. The revision improved confidence in the quality assurance provided by the programme, which became central to the trust’s overall improvement plans.
Using change management to implement barcode medicines administration technology
Complex projects, such as barcode technology implementation, require staff engagement
Effect of nurse managers’ leadership styles on predicted nurse turnover
Understanding the effects of nurse managers’ leadership on turnover may improve retention
A preceptorship toolkit for nurse managers, teams and healthcare organisations
Researchers have developed a toolkit to develop and improve preceptorship
A nurse-led youth volunteering project to support older people on acute hospital wards
Young people volunteering on acute hospital wards can provide extra support to older patients
What the COVID-19 pandemic tells us about the need to develop resilience in the nursing...
Most research on resilience in healthcare systems such as the NHS is based on organisational crises, such as nurse shortages, an ageing workforce and financial restrictions. However, nursing can learn lessons from the past to consider how to become more resilient, particularly considering the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This article briefly looks at previous pandemics and disasters that have affected healthcare systems, as well as the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and considers how nurse leaders can support staff and show organisational resilience during such emergencies. The article also discusses how nurse leaders can develop their own resilience.
CPD articles
Effective nurse leadership in times of crisis
Essential leadership skills and the importance of decision-making and emotional intelligence
Using Benner’s model of clinical competency to promote nursing leadership
This article explores the concept of leadership in health and social care
Supporting staff who are second victims after adverse healthcare events
It is important to be aware of the effects of adverse events on second victims
Chairing and managing formal workplace meetings: skills for nurse leaders
An overview of how to lead and manage effective meetings
Teamwork in nursing: essential elements for practice
As any nurse working in the NHS knows, teamwork can be powerful. Successful teamwork can make a huge workload of unmanageable tasks manageable. However, unsuccessful teamwork can leave people struggling to cope. This article explores readers’ knowledge and skills related to teamwork and provides them with new skills and techniques to improve practice.
Action learning: staff development, implementing change, interdisciplinary working and...
Action learning (AL) is a process that supports problem-solving by applying a questioning formula to challenge issues and prompt actions. Initially developed to support organisational change, AL is now recognised as a motivating and influencing process for team development, individual goal setting, change initiatives, quality improvement and leadership development. Learning from observation and practice is central to its approach, which lends itself to healthcare settings. It is especially useful to managers seeking to implement change, enhance quality and promote teamwork in multidisciplinary settings.
Practice question
How can critical thinking make me a better nurse?
Critical thinking can help nurses provide excellent care and improve patient well-being