Needs Assessment Paper

Nursing 402- Career Pathway Assessment

Needs Assessment paper

Purpose of Assignment

The purpose of the assignment is to provide the student the opportunity to discuss the process and resulting outcomes when assessing a population of learners’ needs related to an actual nursing problem, for the purpose of planning a teaching intervention.

Approach to Assignment

I approached this assignment by identifying a significant nursing problem, carrying out a needs assessment, and developing an implementation plan to address the need for education and hands on training for a fall prevention program on a intermediate medical care unit at a local hospital. The nature and scope of the problem was studied including the rate of falls based on incident reports and quality assurance sources. The target audience of learned were identified as clinical staff including physicians, nurses, LPNs, and nursing assistants. The educational needs of the staff were assessed using a cross sectional survey. Educational lectures and hands on training were identified as teaching methods to make an effective change in fall prevention on the unit.

Reason for Inclusion

I found that carrying out a needs assessment was important in understanding the needs of the staff in providing quality care to patients. A full understanding of equipment, prevention techniques, and education of risk factors were necessary to make a change. In my nursing career, I will pursue a needs assessment in a similar fashion to tackle problems and bring about an effective change in practice.

Curricular outcomes

Communication

· Accesses and utilizes data and information from a wide range of sources to enhance patient and professional communication:

For this assignment, I adapted communication methods based on evidence based practice and the special needs of clinical staff. The teaching methods used were proved to be effective based on a variety of reliable sources. Educational materials on risk factors, hands on training with equipment to transfer patients, and information on body mechanics to appropriately deal with falls were identified communication methods favorable by the targeted audience.

Teaching

· Provides teaching to patients and/or professionals about health care procedures and technologies in preparation for and following nursing or medical interventions:

Teaching was a crucial aspect of this assignment. I provided clinical staff with educational lectures and materials to identify a safe environment as well as utilize specialized equipment in order to deal with future fall occurrences. The teaching-learning experience ultimately decreased the number of falls on the unit and increased confidence of clinical staff in maintaining a safe environment for patients.

· Uses information technologies and other appropriate methods to enhance one’s own knowledge base:

Maintaining a fall prevention program on the unit is an ongoing learning process which requires continual practice and education. Equipment to transfer and assist patients, in services, and hands on training were utilized with each clinical staff group. PowerPoint presentations and educational lectures were proven and helpful tools available to promote this understanding.

Leadership

· Assumes a leadership role within one’s scope of practice as a designer, manager, and coordinator of health care to meet the special needs of vulnerable populations in a variety of practice settings:

By identifying the need for a fall prevention program on the unit, I was able to lead clinical staff in maintaining a safe environment for the most vulnerable patient populations and reducing fall rates on the intermediate care unit. Assuming this role by designing various methods has brought cohesion and expertise to our clinical team as well as ensured patient safety.