Category: Nursing

  • Patient experience, patient safety, healthcare cost, Quadrup…

    Reflect upon the patient experience, patient safety, and healthcare cost as well as Joint Commissions role in quality healthcare. Write a paper that addresses the following questions: How would you apply the principles of the Quadruple Aim initiative to improve quality, safety and satisfaction in the acute care or long-term care setting? Reflect on your current or future role in healthcare. How you would you, in the role of director of nursing or healthcare administrator contribute to improving cost effective quality care, patient satisfaction, and patient safety? What practices would you apply to minimize medical errors among front-line nursing staff?This weeks paper is about several topics commonly discussed in the healthcare fieldquality of care, safety, and satisfaction to name a few. The paper is 1650 words. Be sure to use scholarly referencestry the Institute of Medicine, American Nurses Association, your state nurses association, any professional nursing specialty organizations you belong to or in your specialty field, Quality and Safety Education for Nurses, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Keiser Foundation,

  • Evidence-Based Project, Part 1: Identifying Research Methodo…

    Is there a difference between common practice and best practice?

    When you first went to work for your current organization, experienced colleagues may have shared with you details about processes and procedures. Perhaps you even attended an orientation session to brief you on these matters. As a rookie, you likely kept the nature of your questions to those with answers that would best help you perform your new role.

    Over time and with experience, perhaps you recognized aspects of these processes and procedures that you wanted to question further. This is the realm of clinical inquiry.

    Clinical inquiry is the practice of asking questions about clinical practice. To continuously improve patient care, all nurses should consistently use clinical inquiry to question why they are doing something the way they are doing it. Do they know why it is done this way, or is it just because we have always done it this way? Is it a common practice or a best practice?

    In this Assignment, you will identify clinical areas of interest and inquiry and practice searching for research in support of maintaining or changing these practices. You will also analyze this research to compare research methodologies employed.To Prepare:

    • Review the Resources and identify a clinical issue of interest that can form the basis of a clinical inquiry. Keep in mind that the clinical issue you identify for your research will stay the same for the entire course.
    • Based on the clinical issue of interest and using keywords related to the clinical issue of interest, search at least four different databases in the Walden Library to identify at least four relevant peer-reviewed articles related to your clinical issue of interest. You should not be using systematic reviews for this assignment, select original research articles.
    • Review the results of your peer-reviewed research and reflect on the process of using an unfiltered database to search for peer-reviewed research.
    • Reflect on the types of research methodologies contained in the four relevant peer-reviewed articles you selected.

    Part 1: Identifying Research Methodologies

    After reading each of the four peer-reviewed articles you selected, use the Matrix Worksheet template to analyze the methodologies applied in each of the four peer-reviewed articles. Your analysis should include the following:

    • The full citation of each peer-reviewed article in APA format.
    • A brief (1-paragraph) statement explaining why you chose this peer-reviewed article and/or how it relates to your clinical issue of interest, including a brief explanation of the ethics of research related to your clinical issue of interest.
    • A brief (1-2 paragraph) description of the aims of the research of each peer-reviewed article.
    • A brief (1-2 paragraph) description of the research methodology used. Be sure to identify if the methodology used was qualitative, quantitative, or a mixed-methods approach. Be specific.
    • A brief (1- to 2-paragraph) description of the strengths of each of the research methodologies used, including reliability and validity of how the methodology was applied in each of the peer-reviewed articles you selected.
  • Module 2 | Community Resources Reflection

    Community Resources Reflection

    After reading the transcript presentation, submit a comprehensive reflection that thoughtfully responds to the questions below. The paper must follow APA formatting guidelines and be at least two pages in length, not including the title page.

    Understanding Community Resources:

    • What are some key community resources you learned about during the guest speaker’s presentation?
    • How do these resources address the needs of patients in the community?

    Connection to Nursing Practice:

    • How can you incorporate the knowledge of community resources into your nursing practice?
    • In what ways might you assess a patient’s need for community resources during a routine clinical encounter?

    Barriers and Challenges:

    • What challenges might patients face when accessing community resources, and how can you support them in overcoming these barriers?
    • How might socioeconomic factors, cultural differences, or geographic location affect a patients ability to utilize community resources?

    Patient Advocacy:

    • As a nurse, how can you advocate for patients who may be unaware of or hesitant to use community resources?
    • What are some ways to empower patients to utilize resources that can improve their health and well-being?

    Reflecting on Personal Experiences:

    • Have you encountered any patient situations in your clinical rotations where one or more of these community resources could have had an impact on that patient’s outcome? Explain how it would have impacted the patient’s outcome.
    • Future Learning:
    • How can you stay informed about available community resources throughout your nursing career?

    Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): transcript of presentation.docx, Module 2 Community Resources Reflection.docx

    Note: Content extraction from these files is restricted, please review them manually.

  • Nursing Question

    The week 2 assignment must be submitted before 10:59pm CT on day 7. This assignment is meant to be three pages of visuals that explore the four different groups of agonists on the agonist spectrum (agonist, partial agonist, antagonist, and inverse agonist). The assignment you create must contain at least one concept map. The required content is shown below. In this assignment you must:

    • Define and explain each of the four groups of agonists (agonist, partial agonist, antagonist, and inverse agonist).
    • Assign each specific medication to the appropriate group (agonist, partial agonist, antagonist, or inverse agonist).
    • Explain the proposed mechanism of action of each specific medication by naming the main receptor(s) it targets.
    • Identify how the P450 enzyme system plays a role in the body’s metabolism of each specific medication.

    Specific Medications

    1. Oxycodone
    2. Brexpiprazole
    3. Haloperidol
    4. Naloxone
    5. Aripiprazole
    6. Amphetamine
    7. Risperidone
    8. Pimavanserin

    Document Format, File Type, and Design

    You will NOT set up your document as a paper. This document must NOT contain written paragraphs. It must NOT contain an introduction or conclusion. Rather, the assignment must contain a concept map and two visual aids.

    The concept map is the main “piece” of this assignment. It must be creative and visually appealing. You must include as much of the required content as you can in your concept map. The two visual aids are supportive “pieces” of this assignment. Your visual aids must also be creative and appealing. You have freedom with these visuals! For example, concept maps, tables, flow charts, figures, etc. “count” as visual aids. The visuals you choose must be meaningful; they must address the required content. (A picture of an oxycodone bottle would not count as a visual because it does not address the required content.) If you did not cover all of the required content in your concept map, then you must cover it in your visuals. If you did cover all of the required content in your concept map, then you will be using your visuals as a review of some of the required content.

    Your assignment must be submitted in Canvas as one file. Only one file will be graded. If more than one file is submitted, then I will choose one for grading. The file you submit must be in a Word or PDF document.

    Even though this assignment is NOT a paper, you must still use proper English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You must also use proper APA format when it comes to the title page, in-text citations, and references. Please go to the following site to view the College of Nursing Writing Template: . This writing template highlights the proper format for the title page, in-text citations, and references. The final version of your Word or PDF document must be organized in the following manner:

    1. Title page (page 1)
    2. Concept map (page 2)
    3. Creative visual #1 (page 3)
    4. Creative visual #2 (page 4)
    5. Reference pages (page 5…)

    A sample of a concept map design is shown below. I created this design in PowerPoint. It is okay if your concept map looks different than my creation. However, it must still be a concept map. For example, you cannot decide to change the concept map into an outline. Additional concept map guidance is provided in the Learning Resources for week 2. Reach out to me through the inbox/email if you have any questions. Please also see the grading rubric, which contains details on how you will be graded on this assignment.

    ConceptMap.jpg

    Knowledge Check

    In addition to the week 2 assignment, you are required to complete the knowledge check. This knowledge check is a graded quiz that opens on day 1 (Monday) and must be submitted by 10:59pm CT on day 7 (Sunday). This quiz will gauge your understanding of the material and help prepare you for the exams in this course.

    Late PenaltiesAs you continue to learn about psychopharmacology, you will find that medications used to treat mental health conditions are agonists across the spectrum. It will be important for you to recognize some of those medications and how they act on a variety of neurochemicals in different ways to treat the symptoms.

    In this Assignment, you will scavenger the literature as you research the agonist spectrum and key neurotransmitters and pathways targeted in psychopharmacology. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge as you create a Concept Map exploring each of the agonist spectrum listed below. Support your answers with evidence-based, peer-reviewed scholarly literature. APA style format title page, citations, and references will apply.

    Note: You will not set up your Assignment as a paragraph-formatted paper but, instead, as a creative, visually appealing Concept Map.

    RESOURCES

    Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
    Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

    TO PREPARE FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT:

    • Review the Learning Resources assigned this week.
    • Review the Concept Map resources.
    • Explore the listed agonist spectrum and consider the action and receptor of each:
      • Agonist
      • Partial agonist
      • Antagonist
      • Inverse agonist

    THE ASSIGNMENT

    You will submit a concept map exploring the four agonists on the agonist spectrum (agonist, partial agonist, antagonist, and inverse agonist) in which you:

    • Describe the different characteristics of the four agonists and how each mediates distinct biological activities. Include proposed mechanisms and the receptor it is targeting.
    • Identify how the P450 enzyme system plays a role in the body’s absorption, distribution, and clearance of medication.
    • Scavenge the literature after describing each agonist on the spectrum for research that is based on the medications in the table below.
    • Apply the medications to the appropriate agonist on the agonist spectrum in your Concept Map.
  • Week 9

    Complete two (2) scenarios. Once from each section.

    If you completed one of these in the discussion you may use that content for the related scenario and complete a new one from the other section below. Otherwise follow the directions and complete one from each group.

    Complete one of these scenarios.

    Consider the chief complaint of worsening memory in a 78-year-old. Existing diagnosis of Alzheimers

    or

    Consider the chief complaint of mid back pain in an 82-year-old. Existing diagnosis of osteoporosis.

    or

    Consider the chief complaint of swelling in ankles in a 67-year-old. Existing diagnosis of hypertension

    And then one of these scenarios.

    Consider the chief complaint of constant crying in a 6 week old child, of migrant worker parents.

    or

    Consider the chief complaint of prolonged sadness in a pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation.

    or

    Consider the chief complaint of shortness of breath in a 77-year-old recent widower.

    Demonstrate clinical judgment regarding the chief complaint by including this content: Complete one of the three scenarios:

    What pertinent information collected from the history would impact your assessment?

    What other systems need assessment due to the symptoms of the patient?

    What would be pertinent positives or pertinent negatives found in the exam?

    Include at least three differentials.

    Include which diagnostics you would order based on your differentials and why.

    How might a final diagnosis be determined?

    Address a possible brief management plan.

    Finally address the relationship between compassion and clinical judgment for all patients and for special populations.

  • CT Paper 2026

    Hello. I am a nursing student in the last semester. I need this paper to be professionally written. I need you to follow every single step that is on the rubric. I am posting all the details, need to be APA. Please write it as if its yours. IMPORTANT: I need 3 NURSING journals. Thank you so much for the help. Let me know if you need anything.

    Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): 5WhysSafetyToolkit_5Whys.pdf, 232CTPGuideStudent2026.docx, 5WHYToolforCCPCTPapers.docx

    Note: Content extraction from these files is restricted, please review them manually.

  • Healthy People 2030 Assignment

    Complete the following paper for this assignment.

    Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): Final HP2030 Assignment-1.docx

    Note: Content extraction from these files is restricted, please review them manually.

  • ihuman week 2

    This course will require you to complete a series of case studies using the i-Human software application. The i-Human Patients (IHP) Case Player enables you to interact with virtual patients for the purpose of learning patient-assessment and diagnostic-reasoning skills. With IHP, you will be able to independently interview, examine, diagnose, and treat virtual patients and receive expert feedback on your performance.

    The integumentary system is susceptible to a variety of diseases, conditions, and injuries, ranging from the bothersome but relatively innocuous bacterial or fungal infections that are categorized as disorders to skin cancer and severe burns, which can be life-threatening.

    For this Case Study Assignment, you will examine your first case study and work with a patient with an integumentary condition. You will formulate a differential diagnosis, evaluate treatment options, and then create an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

    Resources

    Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.

    Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

    To prepare:

    • Review this weeks Learning Resources to understand the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of integumentary conditions.

    Assignment Requirements:

    • Access i-Human from this weeks Learning Resources and review the assigned case study.
    • Please note: You will complete i-Human cases in case review mode. This may differ from your previous course experience.
    • Analyze the provided patient history, physical exam findings, and diagnostic test results to support clinical decision-making.
    • Complete the assigned case study. For guidance on using i-Human, refer to the i-Human Graduate Programs Help link within the i-Human platform.
    • You must follow the Management Plan Template (located in this weeks Learning Resources) when writing your treatment plan. Be sure to follow all directions and include each required section.
    • Carefully review the grading rubric to understand how your assignment will be evaluated.
    • Please note: You will not receive a score within the i-Human platform. This is different from some previous courses. All grading will occur in the Canvas classroom based on your submitted work and the rubric.
    • Ensure that all responses are clear, evidence-based, and align with the rubric expectations. Submit the completed assignment in the required format and refer to the Management Plan Template for structure and guidance.

    By Day 7

    • Submit the written case study assignment as a Word document

    submission information

    Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.

    1. To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK2Assgn+last name+first initial
    2. Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page.
    3. Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.

    Rubric

    NRNP_6531_Week2_iHuman_Assignment_Rubric

    NRNP_6531_Week2_iHuman_Assignment_Rubric

    CriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

    Problem Statement: Includes a clearly written problem statement that integrates subjective and objective data, effectively supporting the identified diagnosis.

    10 to >6.0 pts

    Proficient

    The problem statement is clearly written in paragraph format and includes relevant subjective and objective data (e.g., history, vital signs, labs, physical exam) supporting the diagnosis. Demonstrates clear clinical reasoning, as would be presented to a preceptor.

    6 to >2.0 pts

    Competent

    key components (e.g., objective data, exam findings, or rationale), limiting clarity or thoroughness.

    2 to >0 pts

    Novice

    The problem statement is poorly written or incomplete; key clinical details and rationale are lacking.

    10 pts

    This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

    Diagnoses: Correctly identify the primary diagnosis with its corresponding ICD-10 code and list 35 differential diagnoses, each with their own ICD-10 code. Describe the key clinical presentations that led to your selection of these differentials. Explain your diagnostic reasoning by detailing how each differential was considered and subsequently ruled out to arrive at the final diagnosis.

    15 to >9.0 pts

    Proficient

    Correct primary diagnosis and ICD-10 code are identified. A comprehensive paragraph is provided including definition, causes, and symptoms of the diagnosis with clear rationale supported by patient-specific findings. Lists 35 differential diagnoses with ICD-10 codes, definitions, and typical presentations. Each is ruled out with appropriate reasoning. References are included and cited

    9 to >3.0 pts

    Competent

    Primary diagnosis is correct and includes ICD-10 code. Differential diagnoses are listed (at least 2) but missing ICD-10 codes or include minimal explanation. Some rationale or prioritization may be unclear. Most codes are accurate but with minor errors or omissions.

    3 to >0 pts

    Novice

    Primary diagnosis is incorrect or lacks an ICD-10 code. Differential list is too brief (fewer than 2) or missing ICD-10 codes. Rationales are lacking or incorrect. Few or no references cited. Diagnostic reasoning is unclear or unsupported. Codes are incorrect.

    15 pts

    This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

    Identification and Application of Clinical Practice Guidelines: Identify the clinical practice guideline(s) used in diagnosing the primary condition. Explain how the guideline(s) informed your diagnostic decision-making, including key criteria for diagnosis and recommended assessments. Justify your approach by referencing specific guideline recommendations. Include any CPT codes associated with diagnostic testing used to support the diagnosis.

    15 to >9.0 pts

    Proficient

    Clearly identifies appropriate, up-to-date clinical guidelines (with year and organization) and explains how they informed diagnostic decision-making, including key criteria and recommended assessments. CPT codes for relevant diagnostic procedures are included and appropriate. In-text citations are used.

    9 to >3.0 pts

    Competent

    Guideline(s) are identified and applied, but explanation lacks depth or clarity. Missing CPT codes or not clearly connected to assessments. Citations are incomplete or inconsistent.

    3 to >0 pts

    Novice

    Clinical guidelines are missing or poorly applied. CPT codes are not included or are incorrect. Explanation does not support diagnostic decision-making. Citations are missing.

    15 pts

    This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

    Plan: Include appropriate, evidence-based medications (including over-the-counter options), written as complete prescriptions Address any current prescription medications the patient is taking. Additionally, necessary ancillary testing (labs/procedures/imaging) and appropriate referrals are clearly outlined and relevant to the patients condition. Include Office Visit code and associated CPT codes where necessary.

    25 to >19.0 pts

    Proficient

    The management plan includes appropriate, evidence-based new and continued medications written as full prescriptions with purpose, dose, and frequency. Includes OTC medications if applicable. Outlines ancillary testing (labs/procedures), referrals, and codes (CPT, visit code) for today’s visit. All elements are evidence-based and well explained.

    19 to >9.0 pts

    Competent

    Prescribed medications are appropriate but lack full evidence-based justification. One or two elements of the prescription such as dosage, frequency, or purpose are missing or unclear. Ancillary testing and referrals are included but incomplete or lacking detail. Patient education is present but missing key information or rationale.

    9 to >0 pts

    Novice

    Prescribed medications are inappropriate or not supported by evidence. Three or more essential prescription elements such as medication name, dosage, frequency, or purpose are missing. Dosing is incorrect. Patient education is either inaccurate or missing critical information. The overall management plan is unclear, incomplete, or not relevant to the patients condition.

    25 pts

    This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

    SDOH, Risks & Health Promotion: Address all aspects of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH); health promotion and risk factors related to the primary diagnosis for the patient.

    10 to >6.0 pts

    Proficient

    Thoroughly addresses SDOH using defined categories (e.g., education, employment, access to care), includes a clear SDOH plan. Lists relevant patient-specific risk factors with citations. Includes age- and risk-based health promotion screenings with USPSTF citations.

    6 to >2.0 pts

    Competent

    Addresses most SDOH elements and risk factors but missing one or more categories or supporting details.

    2 to >0 pts

    Novice

    Multiple SDOH domains and risk factors are missing or insufficiently addressed. Screenings omitted or unsupported.

    10 pts

    This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

    Education: Provide clear, evidence-based patient education on the diagnosis, treatment plan, medication use, lifestyle modifications, and symptom management. Ensure the information is patient-centered, culturally appropriate, and addresses health literacy to support adherence and self-management.

    15 to >9.0 pts

    Proficient

    Provides comprehensive, patient-directed education using clear and empathetic language. Explains the primary diagnosis, treatment, medication instructions, lifestyle recommendations, and red flags. Written as if speaking directly to the patient.

    9 to >3.0 pts

    Competent

    Education is provided but lacks personalization or misses key content areas (e.g., side effects, lifestyle advice).

    3 to >0 pts

    Novice

    Education is overly general, missing essential components, or not appropriate for patient understanding.

    15 pts

    This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

    Follow Up Instructions: Provide clear, detailed, and patient-centered follow-up instructions tailored to the diagnosis and treatment plan. Specify timing for follow-up visits, including when the patient should return for reassessment or ongoing management. Include red flag symptoms that require immediate medical attention and guidance on when to seek urgent or emergency care.

    5 to >3.0 pts

    Excellent

    Follow-up instructions are thorough and detailed including who to follow up with, timeframe, referral details, and specific symptoms to prompt a return visit sooner. Includes red flag symptoms with instructions. Written clearly and specifically.

    3 to >1.0 pts

    Good

    Follow-up instructions are mostly clear but missing specific details about red flags or timing.

    1 to >0 pts

    Poor

    Follow up instructions are vague, incomplete, or missing red flag guidance.

    5 pts

    This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

    Scholarly References: Includes a minimum of 3 scholarly, peer-reviewed references that are not older than 5 years. Include the most recent clinical practice guidelines if applicable. In-text citations present in APA format to support your work.

    5 to >3.0 pts

    Excellent

    Includes at least 3 scholarly, peer-reviewed references published within 5 years. All are properly cited in-text and in APA format. Clinical practice guidelines are clearly cited if

    3 to >1.0 pts

    Good

    Includes 2 scholarly references with citations. Missing guideline or minor citation issues.

    1 to >0 pts

    Poor

    Fewer than 2 scholarly sources or missing citations. Guidelines are not cited if applicable.

    5 pts

    Total Points: 100

    template is below will provide password when accept assignment

    Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): NRNP 6531 i-Human Management Plan Template (1).docx, i-Human Patients Case Player Student Manual (1).pdf

    Note: Content extraction from these files is restricted, please review them manually.

  • Discharge Planning

    Assessment Traits

    Benchmark

    Requires Lopeswrite

    Assessment Description

    It is necessary for an RN-BSN-prepared nurse to demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the complex management of disease during the discharge of a patient and the additional aspects of communication and safety in the work environment.

    The purpose of this assignment is to participate in discharge planning for a patient utilizing effective communication strategies and applying information technology in a scenario where patient and provider safety is a concern.

    Review “NRS-460 Benchmark – Case Study: Timothy Smith – Discharge Planning” and complete the “NRS-460 Benchmark – Case Study: Timothy Smith – Discharge Planning Template,” as directed.

    You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the past 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice.

    While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

    This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

    You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

    Benchmark Information

    This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies and professional standards:

    RN-BSN

    5.3: Contribute to a culture of provider and work environment safety.

    American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education

    This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competencies 2.5, 5.3, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, and 8.5.

    Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): NRS-460-RS-T4-Benchmark-CaseStudy-DischargePlanning.docx, NRS-460-RS-T4-Benchmark-CaseStudy-DischargePlanning-Template (1).docx

    Note: Content extraction from these files is restricted, please review them manually.

  • Peer review

    The growing use of technology in healthcare has improved many aspects of patient care, but it has also introduced new legal and ethical concerns related to privacy and data security. Because healthcare technology often involves collecting, storing, and sharing protected health information (PHI), its use raises important ethical questions related to privacy, confidentiality, and responsible data management. With the negative stigma that is often associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), privacy is a major concern for anyone who receives one of these diagnoses. Although reporting requirements may vary depending on your state or local jurisdiction, STIs including syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV are reportable diseases in every state (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). In many cases, technologies such as electronic health records (EHRs), electronic laboratory reporting systems, and public health reporting systems are used to report STI diagnoses to health departments. While this technology has improved patient outcomes and helped reduce the transmission of STIs, it also poses potential security risks (Pellowski et al., 2016). Technology-driven STI reporting and partner notification systems can accidentally expose highly sensitive STI information through messages sent to the wrong person, general system misconfigurations, or third-party platforms that may be at higher risk for potential security issues. A privacy breach can cause significant harm in a patients personal life due to the social stigma associated with STIs, and it can lead to a loss of trust in the healthcare system, as well as legal and regulatory consequences such as HIPAA violations. Lack of confidence in the security of electronic health systems may cause patients to conceal sensitive health information, which can compromise treatment and hinder public health efforts to control the spread of STIs (Layman, 2020). Protecting patient confidentiality is an ethical obligation grounded in the principle of fidelity, which requires healthcare professionals to safeguard sensitive health information and ensure it is accessed only by authorized individuals for legitimate purposes (Layman, 2020). In order to prevent potential privacy lapses when technology is used to manage sensitive STI data, I would advocate for the implementation of multiple safeguards: communication should be handled through secure systems such as patient portals, phone calls, or in-person discussions. Access to PHI should also be secured so that only authorized personnel are able to view sensitive patient data. In addition, workflow processes should include double-checking information documented into the EHR to catch typos, incorrect phone numbers, or other data entry errors before notifications are sent. Finally, regular audits should be conducted to review access logs and perform risk assessments in an effort to proactively identify potential HIPAA violations or other threats to patient privacy. References: CDC. (2021, July 22). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 – Reporting and Confidentiality. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Links to an external site. CDC. (2024, June 26). Duty to Warn for Health Care Settings. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Links to an external site. Kachur, R., Hall, W., Coor, A., Kinsey, J., Collins, D., & Strona, F. V. (2018). The Use of Technology for Sexually Transmitted Disease Partner Services in the United States: A Structured Review. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 45(11), 707712. Links to an external site. Pellowski, J., Mathews, C., Kalichman, M. O., Dewing, S., Lurie, M. N., & Kalichman, S. C. (2016). Advancing Partner Notification Through Electronic Communication Technology: A Review of Acceptability and Utilization Research. Journal of Health Communication, 21(6), 629637. Links to an external site. Woodward, C., Bloch, S., McInnes-Dean, A., Lloyd, K. C., McLeod, J., Saunders, J., Flowers, P., Estcourt, C. S., & Gibbs, J. (2024). Digital interventions for STI and HIV partner notification: a scoping review. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 100(4), 242250. Links to an external site. Reply to post from Marissa OvassapianReply Expand discussion thread from Marissa Ovassapian 2 Replies, 2 Unread 2 Replies (2) LB lashariah Black Mar 4 10:44pm | Last reply Mar 7 1:44pm Reply from lashariah Black As a woman who has worked in multiple hospitals across this country, I have learned that technology can either protect our patients or put them at serious risk. In todays healthcare environment, electronic health records, social media, and digital communication platforms are part of our daily workflow. But with that convenience comes responsibility. Legal and ethical issues tied to healthcare technology are no longer rare, they are common and increasing. One situation I observed involved a staff member accessing a patients electronic health record without being directly involved in that patients care. The access was driven by curiosity rather than clinical necessity. Although no information was publicly shared, the act itself was a violation of HIPAA and organizational policy. This type of issue is not isolated. Reports continue to show that employees are terminated for inappropriate EHR access, even when they claim there was no malicious intent (Semel & Semel, 2023). Additionally, when HIPAA violations cross certain thresholds, they can become criminal offenses, not just workplace discipline issues (Semel, 2022). As nurses, we sometimes underestimate how serious just looking can be. But legally and ethically, accessing a chart without a legitimate care-related reason breaches patient trust and federal law. Some consequences of improper EHR access are: Employment termination Loss of nursing license Civil penalties or criminal charges Organizational fines and reputational damage Healthcare data breaches are rising at alarming rates. In 2023 alone, some of the largest healthcare data breaches exposed millions of patient records (McKeon, 2023). Cyberattacks on healthcare systems are also increasing, disrupting care and putting patient safety at risk (Yousry, 2023). I think about how trust in the healthcare system is already fragile in many minority communities. When privacy is violated, it reinforces fear and hesitation about seeking care. Ethical lapses in technology use do not just break rules, they break relationships. To prevent inappropriate EHR access and other legal/ethical technology violations, I would implement a multi-layered strategy: Mandatory Annual HIPAA and Cybersecurity Education Education should go beyond basic HIPAA modules. Training must include real-world case studies demonstrating how minor violations lead to termination or prosecution. Research shows that increasing awareness of cyber threats and internal vulnerabilities strengthens compliance behaviors (McKeon, 2023). Strict Audit Trails and Transparent Monitoring Organizations should routinely audit chart access logs and communicate that monitoring is active and ongoing. When staff know audits are consistent and not random, they are more likely to follow proper protocol (Semel & Semel, 2023). Reinforce Minimum Necessary Standard Staff education should repeatedly emphasize HIPAAs minimum necessary rule only access what you need to do your job. According to Semel (2022), failure to follow this standard has resulted in criminal investigations. Social Media and Digital Professionalism Policies Given the rise in nurses being disciplined for social media misuse, clear policies must outline boundaries. Even posts without patient names can lead to termination if identifiable details are shared (ABC News, 2014; Nurse.org, n.d.). Annual acknowledgment of social media policies should be required. Organizations must foster psychological safety so employees feel comfortable reporting suspicious links, phishing attempts, or accidental access errors. Cyberattacks are increasing, and quick reporting reduces damage (Yousry, 2023). Punitive cultures discourage transparency. Personal Reflection Technology is powerful, but it is also a responsibility. As a 39-year-old Black woman in nursing, I take patient confidentiality seriously because I understand what it means for communities to feel watched, judged, or exposed. Protecting patient information is not just about compliance it is about dignity. Healthcare organizations must treat data security and ethical technology use as patient safety priorities. When we combine education, accountability, monitoring, and supportive reporting systems, we protect not only our licenses, but also the people who trust us with their most personal information. References ABC News. (2014, July 8). Nurse firing highlights hazards of social media in hospitals. Links to an external site. McKeon, J. (2023, June 29). Biggest healthcare data breaches reported this year, so far. HealthITSecurity. Links to an external site. Nurse.org. (n.d.). Emory Healthcare OB nurses fired after mocking patients on viral TikTok. Links to an external site. Semel, M. (2022). When HIPAA becomes criminal. Healthcare IT Today. Links to an external site. Semel, M., & Semel, M. (2023). Employee fired for inappropriately accessing EHR records. Healthcare IT Today. Links to an external site. Yousry, F. (2023, May 8). Cyberattacks on health care are increasing: Inside one hospitals fight to recover. NPR. Links to an external site.