It is important for the nurse to understand strategies that promote a fiscally responsible clinical practice. From the following listing, select those strategies that would achieve a fiscally responsible clinical practice. (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Completes charge slips or scans bar code of nursing supplies used when changing a surgical dressing
b. Participates in the annual hospital fund-raising activity
c. Visits the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to understand what services are provided during an inpatient visit
d. Immediately reports any development of a patient medical complication to the health care provider
e. Volunteers to participate in a hospital program initiative to reduce central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)
f. Completes a patient's discharge plan on the morning of discharge

Answer 1

A, C, D, E
The following is a listing of strategies to promote a fiscally responsible clinical practice:
• Provides quality nursing care that prevents complications and documents condition accurately
• Makes conscious decisions about the allocation of professional nursing time
• Understands Medicare and Medicaid insurance coverage
• Engages in evidence-based practice and follows best practice guidelines
• Shares information with patients and families about the costs of care and alternatives
• Assigns assistive personnel (nurse aides, certified medical assistants) appropriately to help with care
• Works with the members of other health care professions to promote fiscal responsibility for clinical practice
• Begins discharge planning on admission; otherwise, if not available or prepared until the day of discharge, there may be confounding factors (lack of transportation) that require the patient to stay an additional hospital day
• Completes charge slips for patient supplies if required (Answer A)
• Avoids burnout by taking scheduled breaks, meal times, and vacations
• Engages in safe clinical practice that will avoid personal injuries
The participation in a fund-raising activity does not directly impact the clinical practice. It does build a sense of camaraderie among staff.