A nurse is preparing an article for publication in a professional nursing journal.
Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse to avoid plagiarism?

Choice A rationale

Maintaining professional competence by reading current nursing research directly supports accountability. Nurses are accountable for providing safe, effective, and up-to-date care. Staying current with evidence ensures that practice is aligned with the latest knowledge, thereby fulfilling the ethical and professional obligation to be responsible for one's actions and patient outcomes.

Choice B rationale

Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain well-being under stress. While competence can contribute to a sense of control and potentially reduce stress, maintaining competence through research primarily relates to the quality and safety of practice rather than the psychological capacity to cope with professional challenges.

Choice C rationale

Autonomy is the right to self-determination and independent decision-making in practice. While competence is foundational for autonomous practice, reading research itself is a means to achieve and demonstrate competence, not the principle of autonomy itself. Autonomy empowers the nurse to make informed decisions, which are based on competence.

Choice D rationale

Assessment is a distinct step in the nursing process involving data collection and evaluation. While current research informs effective assessment techniques and criteria, maintaining professional competence through reading research is a broader concept that applies to all aspects of nursing practice, not solely the assessment phase.

Choice A rationale

Criticizing a colleague's professional judgment, such as pain management, exemplifies lateral violence. This behavior undermines professional competence and can create a hostile work environment, leading to increased stress and decreased team cohesion. Such actions violate principles of collegiality and respect, potentially impacting patient care indirectly due to a breakdown in communication and trust among healthcare providers.

Choice B rationale

A provider raising her voice to the charge nurse demonstrates an abuse of power and constitutes lateral violence. This aggressive communication style disrupts the professional environment, intimidates staff, and can lead to a sense of disrespect and powerlessness among nurses. Such behavior inhibits open communication and collaboration, essential for effective patient care delivery and a healthy work culture.

Choice C rationale

Complaining about a colleague at the nurses' station is a form of passive-aggressive lateral violence, often termed "gossiping.”. This behavior erodes trust, fosters a negative work environment, and can isolate the targeted individual, diminishing morale and professional relationships. It creates an atmosphere of distrust and hinders effective teamwork and communication among nursing staff.

Choice D rationale

Attending an in-service regarding lateral violence is an educational and proactive measure to address and prevent such behaviors. It is not an example of lateral violence itself. Instead, it represents a positive step towards fostering a healthier work environment by increasing awareness and providing strategies for identifying and mitigating disruptive behaviors within the healthcare team.

Choice E rationale

Deliberately avoiding a newly hired nurse to make them feel isolated is a clear instance of lateral violence. This ostracizing behavior aims to exclude and disempower the new individual, hindering their integration into the team and potentially impacting their confidence and performance. Such actions create an unwelcoming and hostile environment, undermining team cohesion and support systems.

Choice F rationale

Teaching a nurse about proper procedure after a medication error is a constructive, supportive, and educational response. This action promotes learning and professional development, aiming to improve practice and prevent future errors. It is an example of a supportive peer interaction focused on patient safety and professional growth, not lateral violence, which is disruptive and harmful.