"Part of professionalism is accountability,
accountability to your actions and the outcomes of those actions."
(Mary Ann Siciliano McLaughlin, 2018)


    I always speak to my nursing students about accountability while imparting my tagline.  I tell them that everyone, as a nurse, has a choice in the actions they take. I warn them that they need to be accountable to those actions and the outcomes of those actions.  They cannot say if something does not go well, as a result of their actions, "oh well, I'll do better next time". Rather, they have to see the outcome and decide the next best course of action.  So, if something they did, results in an outcome they did not expect, or an outcome that is harmful to the patient then they need to decide what action needs to be taken next to either resolve the issue or monitor the situation to minimize patient harm. I do tell my students, as nurses, the intention is never to harm patients. Rather, situations change or actions do not work out as planned. Regardless, one has to be accountable to those actions and the outcomes of those actions. 

    I always think about my tag line in the context of nursing, but recently I feel there are much further reaching possibilities.  I think this is also a good lesson to teach children and young adults. In addition to this, children and young adults may learn these lessons through the examples that adults lead in various situations. These adults can include schoolteachers, coaches, parents, and any other adults with whom the children come in contact. 

What adults seem to forget is that their actions have consequences for these children and young adults - consequences that may have negative outcomes for them, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, fear to try in the future, lack of self-esteem, among a myriad of other possible outcomes. 

    As a society, people need to consider their actions and possible outcomes before choosing a course of action. Every decision made has an effect on others - good, bad, or indifferent.  If adults lack the ability to be accountable, how do we expect our youth to grow up being accountable?  Something to ponder for sure.  

If you have any experience with this topic, or have read literature on the topic, please feel free to share.  I am currently searching the literature for information related to this topic, btu so far it has been elusive to find.  

Here is one interesting article about coaches, their actions, and players.  The article is slanted more toward the concept of bullying.  I am looking for the accountability of those in other professions and outcomes it may have on those influenced by their actions. 





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