In the last couple of days a new Press Ganey report has come to light; that highlights the impact of nurses' perceptions of workplace safety and their ability to assess and a accurately treat patients. The main focus of the report was the nurses' perception of workplace safety and their ability to monitor, evaluate and act on their patient's change in health. Nursing practice is vitally important to ensure that a high-quality and empathic care is provided for both patients and caregivers. Christy Dempsey, chief nursing officer at Press Ganey pointed out that integrating workplace safety and surveillance programs throughout the healthcare facility improves outcome measures, whilst also encouraging a commitment to nursing excellence.
The report noted that for healthcare facilities where nurses experienced high workplace safety:
- A 52% lower rate of missed care, as perceived by nurses.
- 27% of nurses at these facilities expressed greater job satisfaction.
- A 22% higher CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating
- There was also 26% decrease in hospital-acquired pressure alcers (also known as bedsores) at facilities where nurses felt that they were able to respond quicker to their patients' changing status.
These stats are very promising, and they back up Christy's point that workplace safety and surveillance programs helps improve outcomes in healthcare facilities. To help improve nurse safety, the report recommends organizations to:
- Carry out adequate unit staffing that takes into account patient volume, nurse-skill mix and the intensity of care each patient requires.
- Ensure that uninterrupted, and sufficient meal and rest breaks are taken.
- Use patient data to improve scheduling and decrease extended work shifts.
- Develop a stable core of nurse leaders and nurses with leadership potential through taining and/or formal programs to develop these skills.
- Hire and retain a high percentage of RNs with a bachelor's degree or higher, and nursing specialty certifications.
If your organization meets these guidelines then they're certainly going to see an increase in nursing excellence, which will in part, improve nurse and patient outcomes.
For more H&S news and insight, be sure to follow Label Source on Twitter.
