Name
Chamberlain University
NR-730: DNP Project
Prof. Name
Date
The primary aim of this discussion is to explore the ethical and legal responsibilities of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-prepared nurse when initiating a practice change. Ethical decision-making is a vital component of advanced nursing practice, particularly when new interventions or systems are introduced that affect patient care, organizational processes, or population health outcomes. A DNP-prepared nurse must not only ensure that clinical improvements are evidence-based but also that such changes respect patient autonomy, safety, and justice.
Based on the assigned readings and current knowledge of ethical practice in nursing, the following questions will be addressed:
The participants in the proposed DNP practice change project are directly related to the PICOT framework. These individuals typically include patients experiencing the targeted health condition, nursing staff responsible for implementing the intervention, and in some cases, family members who play a role in patient care. Additionally, healthcare leaders and interdisciplinary team members such as physicians, pharmacists, or social workers may also participate to ensure that the intervention is effective and sustainable.
The benefits and risks of a practice change must be carefully weighed to ensure ethical alignment. Benefits often include improved patient outcomes, enhanced quality of care, and reduced healthcare costs. Risks may involve unintended consequences, such as patient discomfort, staff resistance to change, or the possibility of limited effectiveness of the intervention. Balancing these outcomes requires transparency and open communication with all stakeholders.
Table 1 provides a structured overview of the potential benefits and risks:
| Participants | Potential Benefits | Potential Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Patients | Improved health outcomes, greater satisfaction, safer care | Discomfort, anxiety, or uncertainty about new practices |
| Nursing Staff | Enhanced skills, professional development, improved workflow | Increased workload, resistance to change, stress |
| Families | Better patient support, improved communication | Possible confusion or concerns about new procedures |
| Interdisciplinary Team | Stronger collaboration, streamlined processes | Misalignment of roles, conflict during implementation |
Protecting the human rights of all participants is essential in any DNP practice change. To safeguard participants, the project will strictly adhere to the principles of ethical research and practice, including respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Measures include:
Obtaining informed consent to ensure participants are fully aware of the project’s purpose, methods, risks, and benefits.
Protecting privacy and confidentiality by de-identifying patient information and following HIPAA guidelines.
Providing the right to withdraw from the project at any time without penalty.
Implementing interventions that prioritize patient safety and minimize harm.
Ensuring equitable access so that vulnerable populations are not excluded or disproportionately burdened.
This discussion supports the following program outcomes:
Integration of scientific knowledge into daily clinical practice (POs 3, 5).
Application of leadership and organizational skills to promote systemic change and improve outcomes (PO 6).
Translation of research evidence into innovative practice solutions (POs 3, 5).
Utilization of technology and information systems for improved healthcare delivery (POs 6, 7).
Advocacy for healthcare equity and social justice for vulnerable populations (POs 2, 9).
Promotion of collaborative team environments to strengthen disease prevention and population health (PO 8).
Leadership in advanced clinical judgment, accountability, and systems thinking (POs 1, 4).
By completing this discussion, students achieve the following course outcomes:
Apply ethical theories and considerations to translation science (PCs 1, 3, 8; POs 3, 4, 5).
Utilize clinical scholarship methodologies to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based quality improvements that enhance healthcare outcomes at all system levels (PCs 1, 3, 5; POs 3, 5, 9).
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2022). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing practice (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Silva, M. C., & Ludwick, R. (2020). Ethics: The heart of healthcare leadership. Journal of Nursing Management, 28(7), 1456–1464. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13090
