Workarounds in Nursing Don’t Work!

If you are a nurse, you know exactly what I mean by nursing workarounds. But let’s assume that maybe you have not yet heard the term and need a specific example.

In the video below, I share an example related to getting a medication out of the machine. A nurse, who is in a hurry and needs some piece of equipment for a patient in need figures, “Hey, why wait? If I just do X, Y, or Z… I can get this medication faster than waiting for it!”

That’s a workaround in nursing.

Get to the Root Cause

Now, I imagine that you will disagree with me when I say that workarounds in nursing just do not work. You’re reading along, thinking, “Elizabeth… I don’t have the time to wait! I need what I need when I need it! And if I can figure out a faster way… then that’s just what I am going to do!”

In the video below, I describe a physical situation (e.g. getting a cut on your hand) and how, in order to heal, we need to get to the root cause of the issue.

Check this video out for how workarounds in nursing need to change:

Let’s hear from you! What workarounds in nursing can you avoid? Or, how has using a workaround caused even further problems down the road? Share your experiences below and thanks for watching! 

About the Author: Keynote speaker and virtual conference host, Elizabeth Scala MSN/MBA, RN, partners with hospitals, nursing schools, and nurse associations to transform the field of nursing from the inside out. As the host of the Nurse’s Week program, The Art of Nursing, Elizabeth supports nursing organizations in celebrating and recognizing their staff in a meaningful way. Elizabeth received her dual master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She is also a certified coach and Reiki Master Teacher. Elizabeth lives in Maryland with her supportive husband and playful pit bull.