NURS C493Leadership prof.

Leadership and Professional Image




Leadership and Professional
Image Task 1

Western Governors University

, Leadership and Professional Image
A1. Problem


Surgical site infections(SSI) are very costly complications of surgery that may be

preventable through proper education, and preparation. I feel that proper patient education

regarding surgical site infection prevention could greatly decrease the incidence of the problem.

Patients need to be educated of the importance of, and proper use of surgical preparation

solutions such as chlorhexidine(CHG). Surgical preparation solutions can be very expensive,

and have been shown to irritate the skin particularly if used inappropriately.




A1a. Explanation of Problem


I work in surgical services, and a huge part of my job as registered nurse is preparing

patients for surgery. In preparing patients for surgery, I educate patients on preventing

infections. Surgical site infections (SSI) occur in 2.5% of patients having surgical procedures.

Surgical site infections are the most expensive of the hospital acquired infections. They account

for 3.5- 10 billion dollars every year in health care associated expenses (Anderson, Deverick J,

MD MPH 2014). These types of complications can be devastating to patients financially,

emotionally, and mentally. Patients, and their caregivers are experiencing prolonged recovery

times due to SSI. SSI can be a very costly complication to patients, and healthcare facilities.




A2. Investigation