Abstract and Objectives

Abstract

In 1998, the independent study text "Take Control: A Guide to Risk Management" was published and co-provided by Seabury & Smith (formerly Maginnis & Associates), the Chicago Insurance Company and the Illinois Nurses Association. It was distributed by the American Nurses Association's Constituent Member Associations. The objectives of this text were to: identify key issues of concern in risk management and describe strategies nurses can use to manage risk.

Seabury and Smith Corporation has now asked ANA to transform this text into "The Nursing Risk Management Series" of three different independent study modules (ISMs) for placement on NursingWorld.org, ANA's website. The information and knowledge gained should assist nurses in all clinical practice areas to take control and manage the risks within their individual workplace and nursing practice.

Each module contains the abstract, specific objectives, text, reference list through 1998, an updated reference list through June 2001, the nursing post test and its feedback section. The registrant who successfully completes each ISM will earn ANA's nursing continuing education contact hour certificate. These independent study modules are: I: "An Overview of Risk Management" (1.4 contact hours); II: "The Rewards and Risks of the Functional Aspects of Nursing Education, Information Systems and Management" (2.8 contact hours) and III. "Ethical Issues and Specific Risk Hazards Faced by Nurses in Their Practice." (1.4 contact hours).

Objectives:

1. Describe the importance of professional liability insurance in managing risk.
2. Explore ways that managed care has changed roles and subsequently impacted risk for nurses.
3. Explain the ethics of managing risks from two perspectives: 1) an organization's wide view and 2) other selected areas of focus
4. Discuss an overview of environmental health & safety risks in the health care industry.
5. Analyze the occupational health risk of latex exposure and the environmental risk of hospital waste both of which affect nurses and the patients for whom they care.

Note: Individuals choosing to take all three parts of the Nursing Risk Management Series are eligible for a 10% risk managment credit on their liability insurance.

Developed and funded by ANA's professional liability insurance provider, Seabury and Smith, a Marsh & McLennan Company and the Chicago Insurance Company. To Apply go to: www.proliability.com/ana

© 2001 American Nurses Association