A clear directive to a nurse is:

Clear directives are specific, measurable, and time-bound—reducing ambiguity and variability that drive frontline error. “Monitor every so often” becomes safer when translated into a defined interval (e.g., every 15 minutes for the first hour, then hourly), with documentation requirements and escalation triggers. Risk management objectives emphasize standard work and reliable monitoring for high-risk equipment such as infusion pumps because device malfunction or programming errors can rapidly cause harm. Clear directives also support accountability and defensibility: they demonstrate the organization defined expectations and trained staff accordingly. Vague instructions (“be careful”) do not reliably change behavior or outcomes. In high-reliability care, clarity is a safety barrier: it reduces cognitive load, prevents missed steps, and improves handoffs between staff by making the plan visible and verifiable.