• Nursing Staff Safety Tips

Nursing in the 21 st century is not for the faint of heart. Unsafe staffing ratios, sicker patients and a focus on patient satisfaction above all else have created a situation where nurses sometimes sacrifice proper technique and safeguards to provide faster service. The bedside can be a dangerous place; if you’re considering stepping away from the frontlines, you can pursue one of the Nursing degree programs at. Whether you work in a hospital, an outpatient setting, or pursue one of the endless opportunities available to nurses, these ten tips for nursing safety will keep you out of the occupational health office. Needle Safety Not one nurse has ever woken up and said, “Today’s the day I stick myself with a dirty needle!” And yet, accidental needle stick injuries are a shockingly common threat to nurse safety. High-stress situations, being in a hurry and unpredictable patients all contribute to the occurrence of needlestick injuries. Be sure to utilize the safety features of the needle, keep your fingers behind the needle when inserting it into the patient and place the syringe AND needle directly into the sharps container.

Many are simple, common-sense practices that need to remain at the forefront of nurses' work habits, including these 10 important safety measures. Jul 12, 2012 - Simply stated, the Standard Precautions are: Wash hands after contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated objects whether or not gloves are worn. Wear a mask, eye protection, or a face shield if splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions can be expected. Top 10 Safety Hazards in Assisted Living Facilities. One of the most common reasons families decide that aging loved ones are better off in an assisted living facility than in their own homes is safety. Unless a family can afford a private nursing team, or an in-home agency for round-the-clock care, assisted living facilities and nursing homes typically afford greater safety for seniors with.

For the love of Florence Nightingale, do not recap the needle by hand. If you must recap it, use the scoop technique you were taught on the very first day of nursing school. Safe Patient Handling Another common nursing safety issue is patient handling and patient transfer. By the time patients are admitted to the hospital, they are acutely ill and likely unable to manage themselves. Coupled with the obesity epidemic and unsafe staffing ratios, the situation is ripe for nursing injuries. If your hospital/unit doesn’t have them already, advocate for lifts and transfer devices to ensure patient and nurse safety. If you’re lucky enough to have them, utilize them.

It may take a little longer to get the patient in the sling, but it’s still quicker than battling for a workman’s comp claim when you herniate every last disc in your back. Hazardous Drug Administration Be aware of any special handling requirements for drugs you are administering to your patients.

Some drugs require wearing double gloves and a mask when administering them. Unintentional exposure could seriously compromise nurse safety. Other drugs are excreted in the urine, which requires more than standard precautions to handle it safely. Speak with your pharmacy about unfamiliar drugs to ensure that you, your coworkers and your patients are safe. Repetitive Motion Injury Prevention You’re only given one body, so use it well. Another aspect of nursing safety is preventing repetitive motion injuries. Invest in quality shoes.

Nursing Staff Safety Tips

Consider having multiple pairs and rotate them to give the foam insoles a chance to recover; they’ll break down more slowly. Wear compression socks or stockings when you work.

Your feet, legs and the rest of your body will thank you at the end of each day. If you’re noticing your foot (or knee or hip or back, etc.) is regularly causing pain at the end of each shift, go see a doctor. It’s far better to manage any injuries that occur earlier than to let it fester or develop into a huge problem. Infection Prevention A hallmark of nursing safety is preventing yourself from getting whatever your patients have. If they’re in the hospital recovering from the flu, don the appropriate personal protective gear every single time or risk getting sick yourself and carrying it home to your family. Speaking of the flu, get your flu shot early. As they teach in nursing school, treat every substance as if it’s contagious and protect yourself as such.

Physical Nursing Safety If you’ve watched the news or scrolled through social media lately, you’ve no doubt seen the media coverage of physical attacks on nurses. Patients and families in high stress situations with little to no coping skills can pose a serious threat to nursing safety. It’s not always possible to know the triggers or know how a person will react, so it’s important to have strong situational awareness. Additionally, never let anyone or anything come between you and the door; always give yourself an exit. If you’re uncomfortable with a situation, back away and out of the room; do not turn your back. Online Safety: Navigating Social Media A new threat to nursing safety is social media.

Obviously, this threat is not necessarily physical. However, missteps online could lead to loss of your job and/or your nursing license. Strictly follow your employer’s guidelines for how to conduct yourself online. Keep identifying information out of your posts and pictures. Identifying information is more than just a name; you shouldn’t post about your patients at all, but posting detailed descriptions can be a HIPAA violation. Nurses have lost their jobs for derogatory posts about patients.

Do not make the same mistake. Bullying Each nurse must make the commitment to mentor and build up fellow nurses, providing them with support rather than chastisement. The life of a nurse is hard enough without being bullied. Encourage your coworkers to treat less experienced nurses with respect and compassion.

If you are being bullied, reach out to your nurse manager or educator. This kind of unacceptable behavior should be stopped.

Personal Health Maintenance It’s not always realistic to think you will be able to drink all eight of your recommended glasses of water each day. However, dehydration and neglecting to empty your bladder can have some serious consequences. Urinary stasis can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder infections and kidney infections. Take the extra minute to relieve yourself before taking your patient the blanket he rang the call light for two minutes after you left his room.

Your bladder will thank you! Burnout Prevention There’s a reason flight attendants tell parents to put on their own oxygen masks prior to putting on their children’s masks: you have to take care of yourself in order to care for others. Burnout can occur for a variety of reasons and has serious ramifications for safe patient care. One way to prevent or treat burnout is to engage in self-care — take a little time for yourself.

Consider giving away that extra shift and binge-watching old TV episodes. Get a massage, go for a run, have a night out on the town with friends. Engage in whatever activities allow you to regain perspective, combat burnout and be present at work. Your coworkers, patients and their families will thank you. About SAU Online Since 1873, Spring Arbor University has helped students pursue wisdom by offering an education grounded in the Christian faith.

What began as a small elementary and secondary school in the late 1800s has evolved into a premier private Christian university that offers engaging online programs designed to meet the unique needs of busy, working adults. While we’re not the only university to offer online degree programs, our distinction lies in our total commitment to providing educational excellence within a Christ-honoring and supportive online community.