Running head: SELF ASSESSMENT

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Self Assessment Susan Headley Ferris State University

SELF ASSESSMENT

2 Self Assessment Introduction

My current position is that of quality analyst for a community hospital. Job responsibilities include data collection, analysis and presentation to administration and multiple departments throughout my facility. In addition to these tasks, the position includes assisting staff members in identifying and developing quality improvement projects. Standards of practice exist for the professional that functions in the quality role. A self assessment and evaluation related to these standards can assist an individual in becoming a self directed practitioner that holds oneself accountable and establishes goals for improvement. Professional Readiness Standards of Practice The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) has established standards for conduct and practice for professionals in healthcare quality. These standards include the following: 

Honesty, accountability, and integrity in practice

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Establishing trust and confidence of customers

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Creating and supporting teamwork

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Supporting the Standards of Practice for Healthcare Quality and upholding its Code of Ethics

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Addresses and takes action to resolve/report unethical practices

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Identifies the root cause of problems

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Serves as a customer advocate

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Establishes customer satisfaction as a primary goal

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Protects and promotes the right of privacy and confidentiality

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Gives credit for the work of others

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Aids in the advancement and development of colleagues

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Participate in professional organizations to aid in professional growth

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(Pelletier & Beaudin, 2008) “Healthcare quality professionals’ primary commitment is to the health, well being, and safety of patients” (National Association of Healthcare Quality, n.d). This core belief is the driving force behind the NAHQ and serves as the basis for its standards of practice and code of ethics. Current Behaviors Upon examination of my professional career, I feel that at this point I am in an entirely different place than I anticipated when I graduated from nursing school. I truly loved providing direct patient care to the critically ill. I had achieved a certain level of comfort and expertise in that specialty, functioning as a charge nurse and preceptor. I then came to the realization that I was not challenged, and I have a personality that needs to continue to learn new concepts and skills. The transition to quality analyst has been both terrifying and exhilarating, and has been a challenge in that I have been forced to broaden my concept of patient care. At this point I need to acquire skills in data collection, analysis, and presentation. In reviewing the NAHQ’s Standards of Practice, there are several that I uphold very well, such as integrity and honesty. I believe that my employer and patients deserve an honest day’s work. As a professional I stand behind the work I deliver, taking responsibility for the content and presentation. This includes assuming the blame when the information provided is incorrect or poorly presented.

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Functioning effectively as a team member is important. I work with a fairly large and diverse team with varying strengths and weaknesses. Having a team with unique talents enables the team to meet and exceed the expectations of patients and internal customers. The quality department in my facility has earned a fair amount of respect. This has been accomplished through hard work, honesty and a true commitment to the various departments served. This meets the NAHQ standards of serving as customer advocate, and establishing customer satisfaction as the primary goal. Identified Deficiencies An area that I need to improve upon is that of identifying the root cause of problems. One important aspect of my current role is that of supporting and assisting internal customers in the quality improvement process. While I can develop relationships easily, assisting internal customers in the identification of their internal issues is challenging. Another opportunity for growth is in aiding in the advancement and development of my colleagues. As I gain additional skills and experience in the quality improvement process, at that point I will be better equipped to aid in the advancement and development of my colleagues. Lastly, I have not joined a professional organization or taken the certification exam for quality, due to time constraints. I have considered it for the last year, but have not made a concerted effort to join the NAHQ. Professional Development Plan Goals My main goal at this time in my career is to earn by BSN. I have two nursing classes, two English courses, and one elective to complete. I am doubling up on my classes the next two semesters in order to complete by BSN this time next year.

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In the next year, I also hope to sit for the certification exam in healthcare quality. I will need to purchase the preparation book and allow 6 months to study before taking the exam. Given my class schedule, I plan to sit for the exam over the Christmas break 2012. Action Plan I have already completed registration at FSU for the summer and fall terms. This will leave me with only one course left for the spring term 2013. In order to determine if I am making progress toward these professional goals, I have written the goal to sit for the NAHQ certification into my performance evaluation at my facility. My facility has transitioned to a pay for performance plan, so individual goals are taken into account at evaluation time. My performance evaluation takes place each April and I have 11 ½ months to prepare for and take the exam. Evaluation Plan The evaluation of success or failure related to my degree completion is set by Ferris State University and my desire is to complete my BSN by May 2013. My manager is aware of my personal goal to become certified in Healthcare Quality. He is an NAHQ member, and has been supportive of this effort. He has agreed to a mid-year evaluation to make sure that I have applied to sit for the exam and have begun to study. My employer will reimburse for the cost of the exam if I receive a passing score. My yearly performance evaluation in 2013 will take into account if I have successfully attempted the examination. Summary Frequent self assessment related to the standards of practice of a nurse’s professional organization or specialty is vital to the ongoing growth and development of a nurse. Nursing

SELF ASSESSMENT provides many opportunities to experience varied roles. Regular self evaluation related to practice standards is essential to ensure that nurses remain cognizant of strengths but also of those areas which require improvement. The accountability that an action and evaluation plan affords can assist any professional from becoming complacent regarding professional growth.

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SELF ASSESSMENT

7 References

National Association of Healthcare Quality. (n.d). www.NAHQ.org/Quality Pelletier, L. R., & Beaudin, C. L. (Eds.). (2008). Q solutions essential resources for the healthcare quality professional (2nd ed.). Glenview,IL: national Association of Healthcare Quality.