A nurse is discussing advancing interprofessional communication on the unit. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a barrier to this advancement?

Choice A reason: Quality education is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Core Values and Interpretative Statements, quality education is an act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for a profession. NSNA informs, prepares, and inspires members to develop continuous, lifelong learning and ethics of the profession.

Choice B reason: Safety is not a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics, but a responsibility that is part of the NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct. According to this code, nursing students have a responsibility to promote the safety of clients, self, and others in academic and clinical settings. Safety is also a core value of nursing practice, but it is not explicitly stated in the NSNA code of ethics.

Choice C reason: Diversity is not a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics, but a goal that is part of the NSNA Mission Statement. According to this statement, NSNA is committed to fostering the professional development of nursing students with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Diversity is also a principle that guides the NSNA Code of Professional Conduct, which states that nursing students should respect the diversity of clients, colleagues, faculty, and staff.

Choice D reason: Professionalism is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Core Values and Interpretative Statements, professionalism is the characteristics that describe an individual striving to maintain the highest standards for one’s chosen path – honesty, integrity, responsibility and conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence. As NSNA members, it is important to create a culture of professionalism in our organization and to uphold the values of professionalism in order to conduct ourselves and our organization in the most respectful, honest way.

Choice E reason: Advocacy is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Core Values and Interpretative Statements, advocacy is an activity or process to work on behalf of self and/or others to raise awareness of a concern and to promote solutions to the issue. The nursing profession is based on advocating for patients and families in order to help facilitate the healing process; NSNA serves as an advocate for nursing students by representing them as one united voice.

Choice F reason: Confidentiality is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Code of Professional Conduct, nursing students should protect the privacy and confidentiality of clients, colleagues, faculty, and staff. Confidentiality is also a principle that guides the NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct, which states that nursing students should maintain client confidentiality in verbal, written, and electronic forms.

Choice A reason: This statement is correct because the nurse should use objective terminology when documenting the occurrence. Objective terminology means using factual, unbiased, and verifiable information, such as the date, time, location, witnesses, and events of the occurrence. The nurse should avoid using subjective, opinionated, or judgmental language, such as blaming, criticizing, or speculating about the occurrence.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect because the nurse should not wait at least 12 hours to report the occurrence. The nurse should report the occurrence as soon as possible, preferably within an hour of the incident. The nurse should also notify the appropriate personnel, such as the charge nurse, the provider, and the risk manager. Delaying the report may compromise the client's safety and wellbeing, and the accuracy and completeness of the documentation.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect because the nurse should not omit the name of the individuals involved in the occurrence. The nurse should include the name of the client, the staff, and any other relevant parties, such as family members or visitors. The nurse should also document the role and actions of each individual, and their response to the occurrence. Omitting the name of the individuals may affect the accountability and follow-up of the occurrence.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because the nurse should not document completion of the report in the client’s medical record. The nurse should document the occurrence report separately from the client’s medical record, and follow the facility's policy and procedure for filing and storing the report. The nurse should also document the occurrence in the client’s medical record, but only the facts and the nursing actions, not the details or the existence of the report. Documenting completion of the report in the client’s medical record may expose the facility to legal liability or litigation.