Final answer:
The next logical step for the nurse manager would be to present the newly developed fall prevention protocol to the nursing policy and procedure committee for review and approval before implementation.
Step-by-step explanation:
After a nurse manager has developed a new fall prevention protocol to reduce patient fall rates on the unit, the logical next step would be to present the protocol to the nursing policy and procedure committee. This committee is typically responsible for the review, approval, and oversight of clinical protocols within a healthcare institution. By doing so, the protocol can be examined for its evidence-based merits, feasibility, and alignment with existing institutional policies before being implemented on the unit.
Discussing the protocol with patients and families is important for patient-centered care, but it generally comes after formal approval. Posting on the agency's social networking page or submitting an article to the agency newsletter might be done to share successes or educate a broader audience about the protocol, but this would occur after approval and implementation of the protocol.
In healthcare settings such as hospitals, maintaining patient safety is crucial, and fall prevention is a significant aspect of this. Therefore, ensuring the protocol is vetted through the proper channels is critical to promote effective outcomes and uphold the standard of care. By following this process, the nurse manager acts to protect patients, support staff in delivering quality care, and uphold the institution's commitment to safety and excellence.