National Patient Safety Goals in Hospital Settings The purpose of this document is to discuss the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) set by the Joint Commission which came into force on 1 January 2014. The goal I chose to focus on is the first goal, to improve the accuracy of patient identification. The performance element within this objective that I will focus on is the use of at least two patient identifiers when administering medications (Joint Commission, 2013). The importance of this goal cannot be underestimated. Correctly identifying a patient before administering a drug is essential for his safety. Description The Joint Commission (2013) NPSG 1 aims to improve the accuracy of patient identification by using at least two patient identifiers when providing care, treatment and services. The rationale behind this NPSG is to stop patient errors occurring at all stages of diagnosis and treatment. We have entered an era of patient safety and achieving this goal is critical to promoting and maintaining this era. One of the most basic fundamentals we learn in nursing school is the six rights of medication administration. One of these rights is to have the right patient. This goal is basically part of something we nurses should do every time we administer a medication. According to the Joint Commission (2013) acceptable patient identifiers include the individual's name, an assigned identification number, a telephone number, or another person-specific identifier. The room number or physical location of the patient cannot be used as these can and do change during the course of the patient's hospital stay. Clinical Examples During my clinical rotation I have seen nurses correctly use adherence to... middle of paper... ...p when they feel their safety is compromised it is critical. Patients need to have the proper knowledge and understanding of why we ask them each time. Incorporating teaching at the time of first admission to hospital and posting prominent signs in rooms about expectations would be a great way to help them achieve NPSG 1. In conclusion, I think achieving NPSG 1 is very important to me in my future practice as a nurse. I strive to be the best at whatever I do and being a safe and effective nurse is at the top of my priority list. I've seen examples of how nurses do it wrong and how they do it right, and I plan to model my behaviors after those who do it right. My goal is not to develop an apathetic attitude towards patient identification and to cultivate a passion for involving my patients in their care and safety.