Gaps in Practice Response

RESPONSE: GAPS IN PRACTICE

Response: Gaps in Practice

Ogechi L.

A concise definition has been assigned to the terms ‘practice gap’ in the introductory section. The gap identified by Ogechi happens to be ineffective communication between organizational leadership and subordinate staff. It is important to note that as my colleague indicates, there are a wide range of concerns that bedevil the nursing profession. One of the challenges that my colleague has highlighted happens to be burnout. Some of the other nursing challenges that have been identified in literature include; risk of injury and/or infection, workplace violence, etc. (Huston, 2013). My colleague indicates that poor communication injures meaningful relationship between first-line nurse managers and nurses. This could end up having a negative impact on patient outcomes. It is for this reason that Jankelova and Jankiakova (2021) are categorical that “the competence of first-line nurse managers (FLNMs) in communication is a prerequisite for the quality of health care provided… the role of communication in promoting organizational efficiency is increasingly recognized and emphasized” (346).

Laconia B.

The practice gap that Laconia identified in her organization happens to be failure by the said organization to ensure that nursing staff are offered sufficient training on the utilization of a screening tool by the name ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience). As my colleague indicates, this is an instrumental tool in efforts to single out patients who could be deemed as being at risk. According to Touloumakos and Barrable (2020), adverse childhood experiences are a prominent feature in most western settings. In the words of the authors, “ACEs and the associated experience of chronic stress have been consistently linked with a variety of negative physical and psychological health outcomes across the lifespan” (78). This is an assertion collaborated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC (2021) which is categorical that ACEs could have a significant effect on future violence perpetration as well as victimization. For this reason, the relevance of ensuring that nurses have the skills and competencies needed to ensure effective utilization of an ACE cannot be overstated.