Discussion Board 3
Then reply to at least two other student’s threads.
Remember to follow the guidelines for posts located in the syllabus.
Case scenario:
After reading a research article about the way nurses suction clients, you decide to perform a literature search on the topic to see whether other studies reinforce the practice. You identify two other research studies that also support the practice change. Armed with the evidence, you create a new practice guideline that describes the new suctioning techniques and present it to your unit director. After taking the guideline through various committees, it is adopted and a new policy is created. You feel empowered and confident that this new practice will have a positive impact on client care outcomes. During the next few weeks, you are confused and discouraged, noting that the nurses are slow in adopting your fabulous new guideline.
1. Why might you get resistance from the nurses? 2. Should this resistance have been anticipated? 3. What specific steps could be taken to encourage the nurses to adopt the practice change?
Resistance from the nurses can occur for several reasons, such as a lack of knowledge or understanding of the new suctioning techniques, fear of change or lack of motivation, and perceived inconvenience or additional workload associated with the new guideline. Nurses may also be reluctant to change their current practice, particularly if they have been doing it for a long time and have had positive outcomes. Additionally, if the nurses were not involved in the creation of the new guideline or had no input, they may feel disengaged or uninvested in the new practice.
Yes, resistance should have been anticipated as it is a common challenge when implementing new practices or guidelines. The process of change can be difficult, and it may take time for individuals to adopt new practices. Understanding the reasons for resistance and identifying ways to address them is crucial to the successful adoption of new practices.
Several steps can be taken to encourage nurses to adopt the practice change, including:
Providing education and training sessions on the new suctioning techniques to increase knowledge and understanding of the practice change.
Offering support and encouragement to help nurses feel confident and motivated in implementing the new guideline.
Involving the nurses in the development and implementation process to increase their investment and engagement in the new practice.
Providing feedback on the progress and outcomes of the new practice to demonstrate the benefits and positive impact on client care outcomes.
Addressing any concerns or issues raised by the nurses regarding the new guideline to help them overcome any perceived barriers or obstacles.
Overall, effective communication, education, and support are key to encouraging nurses to adopt new practices and overcome resistance. It is also essential to involve the nurses in the process to help create a sense of ownership and investment in the new practice.