Assignment Task: Quality Improvement Project
Instructions:
The purpose of this assignment is to immerse the BSN student in an active quality improvement (QI) initiative on their assigned unit, critically analyze its implementation, and contribute meaningfully to its success. The student will explore the rationale behind the project, assess its effectiveness, and propose or participate in a small-scale audit or data collection effort to support the initiative. Need Assignment Help?
Assignment Details:
1. Identify the Quality Improvement Project
Meet with your unit preceptor or nurse manager to discuss the current quality improvement (QI) projects on your assigned unit.
Select one project to analyze (e.g., reducing hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), improving hand hygiene compliance, reducing fall rates, enhancing pain reassessment documentation, etc.).
Provide a summary (300-500 words) of the QI initiative, including:
The problem it addresses
The goals and expected outcomes
How the unit is implementing the initiative (e.g., new protocols, staff education, process changes)
2. Review Best Practices & Evidence
Conduct a brief literature review (at least two peer-reviewed sources within the last five years) related to the QI topic.
Summarize evidence-based practices that support the initiative (250-300 words).
Compare the unit's approach with best practices found in the literature.
3. Participate in the Initiative
Engage in the project by completing a small-scale audit, observation, or data collection process. Examples include:
For a HAPI reduction project: Conduct audits on whether staff are adhering to the turning schedule and provide feedback.
For a falls prevention project: Observe whether fall risk precautions are consistently in place (e.g., bed alarms, signage, non-slip socks).
For a hand hygiene initiative: Perform hand hygiene compliance checks during your shift.
Record at least 10 observations and summarize your findings in a table or spreadsheet.
Reflect on your observations: Are staff following the protocol? What barriers do they face?
4. Provide Feedback & Recommendations
Compile a one-page report summarizing your findings and submit it to your preceptor or nurse manager.
Include:
- The number of audits conducted and findings
- Strengths of the process implementation
- Barriers or challenges you observed
- At least one recommendation to improve compliance or effectiveness
5. Reflect on Your Role as a Future Nurse
In a 500-word reflection, discuss:
- Your role in supporting QI as a student and future RN
- How frontline nurses can drive meaningful change
- What you learned from participating in this initiative
- Submission Format: Word document, submitted via LMS