According to the code of ethics of the American Nurses Association (ANA), “Accountability means to be answerable to oneself and others for one’s own actions.” Accountability in nursing requires nurses to follow an ethical conduct code based in the “principles of fidelity and respect for the dignity, worth, and self-determination of patients.”
According to Joshua O’Hagan and David Persaud, writing for NursingCenter, accountability is important because it improves quality of patient care and creates more value for money spent on healthcare services. O’Hagan and Persaud note that accountability enhances the use of evidence-based practices, boosts learning and reduces variability in care. Learning the principles of accountability and how to apply them is a part of most online RN to BSN program.
Creating an Accountable Atmosphere
The ANA states nurses are accountable for the judgments and actions involved in nursing practice, regardless of directives, policies or providers. However, organizations also need to create a culture of accountability that holds people to high standards.
According to O’Hagan and Persaud, creating a culture of accountability requires people to believe in the concept. Healthcare leaders should provide the training, tools, resources and performance feedback that nurses need to succeed.
Although definitions of accountability vary, Marcia M. Rachel, writing for American Nurse Today, states that accountability in nursing must include five concepts:
- Obligation: a duty that usually comes with consequences.
- Willingness: accepted by choice or without reluctance.
- Intent: the purpose that accompanies the plan.
- Ownership: having power or control over something.
- Commitment: a feeling of being emotionally compelled.
Rachel goes on to say that creating an environment of accountability requires three elements:
- Clarity: set clear and specific expectations, goals and metrics.
- Commitment: after making a request, ask for a commitment or discuss alternative options.
- Consequences: develop action plans for failure to commitments.
Personal Accountability
The ANA considers accountability in nursing a personal matter for nurses, regardless of organizational culture. Personal accountability includes factors such as the following:
- Commitment to doing your best.
- Learning best practices and advocating for patients.
- Taking responsibility for your mistakes and learning from constructive feedback.
- Actively supporting your teammates and helping them remember to honor their commitments.
- Serving as a positive role model.
Being accountable means making commitments and keeping them. An online RN to BSN program can introduce you to principles of accountability, and you can apply them to your own personal accountability as well as your workplace.
Learn more about the Arkansas State University online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
American Nurses Association code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. (n.d.). Retrieved from American Nurses Association: Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements
O’Hagan, J., & Persaud, D. (2009, April/June). Creating a Culture of Accountability in Health Care. Lippincott Nursing Center: Creating a Culture of Accountability in Health Care
Rachel, M. M., (2012, March). Accountability: A concept worth revisiting. American Nurse Today: Accountability: A Concept Worth Revisiting
Sherman, R. (2013, May 30). 5 Ways to Promote Professional Accountability in Nursing. Emerging RN Leader: 5 Ways to Promote Professional Accountability in Nursing