Safety

Adventures in virtual meetings

Tired of unproductive staff meetings held at inconvenient times? Had it  up to here with being interrupted when trying to express your opinion? Maybe it’s time to explore…

Are 12-hour shifts safe?

Is working 12 consecutive hours in a fast-paced, high stress, physically and mentally demanding environment a good idea? Click here to read this exciting blog posting.
behavioral emergency response team improve safety

Behavioral emergency response team improves safety

A behavioral emergency response team helps de-escalate behavioral emergencies, thereby reducing assaults and use of restraints, according to a study in Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing. (more…)

Body cameras in health care: The debate

Is it appropriate for healthcare professionals to wear body cameras? Here are some pros and cons, according to those debating this issue: Pros Provide evidence in malpractice litigation…

Caring and advocating for school children

When we think about RN staffing issues, most of us immediately think about these issues in the context of hospitals or long-term care facilities. There is another, less…

Dangers of the 12-hour shift

Rose Sherman has a thoughtful blog on nursing’s “third rail”—the 12-hour shift. In the blog, she notes that although nurses like 12-hour shifts, they create a patient safety…

Environment, health & safety

In the market for new scrubs or uniforms? Before you buy, read this column to learn about the environmental implications of nursing attire.

Environment, health, & safety

Is widespread triclosan use leading to microbial resistance? ANA urges nurses to take a cautionary approach toward using triclosan-containing products at home.
environmental wellness

Environmental wellness

YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO FAR to experience nature—it can be in your own backyard, a community park, or walking trail. You also can venture miles from home for…
Examing nurse comfort eating

Examining nurse comfort eating

Many years ago I found myself standing in the frozen food section flirting with the prospect of buying a mouth-watering strawberry cheesecake. I rationalized buying it by convincing…

FDA issues safety communication for HeartStart AEDs

On Nov. 25, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication stating that certain HeartStart automated external defibrillator (AED) devices made by Philips Medical Systems,…

FDA proposes new policy for some devices

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new policy that reduces  premarket notification requirements related to devices that have had their safety and efficacy well…
slow steady wins safety rush procedure

From our readers…Three elephants for safety

A familiar safety protocol in hospitals is the time-out. Mandated for many invasive procedures, this “work stop” ensures the right site, right procedure, and right patient are verified…
safe staffing healthcare

From Your ANA President

HAVING WORKED in an emergency department for more than 20 years, I know what it’s like to have to think fast and move fast to save a life.…

Health, safety, & wellness

A sneak peek at the new Implementation Guide to the Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Interprofessional National Standards

Healthcare’s role in reducing gun violence

The 1980s and 1990s were full of neon brace­lets, side ponytails, and kids playing in the streets until dark. Parents held babies on their laps in moving cars.…

Infections associated with reprocessed duodenoscopes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken several steps in response to infections associated with reprocessed duodenoscopes, including issuing a safety communication that warned it is…

ISMP releases IV push meds guidelines

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has released new safe practice guidelines for adult IV push medications. Read more.

Issues up close

Healthcare worker and patient safety: The inextricable link

Issues up close

ANA has joined the Partnership for Patients to improve patient safety.

Keys, please

Discusses the problem of when it’s unsafe for an older person to drive.

Leaders’ role in stopping workplace violence

Develop a sustainable plan that includes support and follow-up. Takeaways: The key to a successful workplace violence prevention program begins at the top with strong policies endorsed by…
manage mental health emergency ant

Managing mental health emergencies in the ED

The most important consideration when caring for this special population is ensuring, first and foremost, staff and patient safety. Both psychiatric patients and the staff caring for them…

Moving toward a restraint-free environment

Sherry, age 17, is admitted to a behavioral health residential facility by her adoptive parents. She has mild mental retardation and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Recently, she reported…

New guidelines on healthcare personnel attire

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has issued guidance for “Healthcare Personnel Attire in Non-Operating-Room Settings,” published in the Journal of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. The…

No drugs down the drain

You can use the questions and answers below when teaching patients about proper medication disposal. Question: Why should I clean out my medicine cabinet? Answer: It’s good to…

Nurse fatigue: Short on sleep, short on safety

Shift work, organizational barriers, and nurse preferences continue to challenge nurse wellness. Takeaways: Shift work—including long shifts, rotating shifts, double shifts, evening and night shifts—has the potential to…

OSHA launches new safety website

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has launched its Worker Safety in Hospitals website, which include many resources to help hospitals to prevent worker injuries. Access the…

OSHA takes new steps to protect nurses

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has released inspection guidance that targets musculoskeletal disorders related to patient or resident handling; workplace violence; bloodborne pathogens; tuberculosis; and slips,…

Our “knowing-doing” gap

Something as simple and low – tech as the checklist can help healthcare providers close the knowing – doing gap.

Patient-centered innovation

Improving safety, access, and outcomes The American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Nurses Foundation revealed the 2023 ANA Innovation Awards winners, sponsored by Stryker, a leading global…

Preventing feeding tube misconnections

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a website dedicated to the issue of tubing and Luer misconnections. The website includes a special section on prevention. Read…
human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

Protect yourself and your patients with vaccination

Why is immunization so crucial for nurses? Which vaccinations should all nurses get? Find out with this educational handout focusing on national efforts to reduce vaccine-preventable disease through…
Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis

Early identification results in a positive outcome.     Candance Walker* is a 28-year-old woman who arrives in a wheelchair in the emergency department accompanied by her husband. She’s crying…

Rebuilding teamwork after a turbulent time

Focus on safety and trust. Takeaways: Research indicates that many nurses who joined teams during the pandemic feel less connected to other team members. With intentional work that…
Safe sharps disposal in the home

Safe sharps disposal in the home

Nurses can easily dispose of sharps in the hospital, but it’s not so easy for patients at home. Learn how you can educate patients to keep them safe…

Safe staffing saves lives

ANA’s “Safe Staffing Saves Lives” campaign fights for safe nurse staffing legislation.

Save a life-wash your hands

Did you grow up with your mother insisting you wash your hands? She was right! As nurses, we all know that the simple act of washing our hands…

Seizing the moment

Horace Gunner,* a 65-year-old man with hypertension and type 2 diabetes, is admitted to the hospital after a fall at home. His computed tomography (CT) scan shows a…

Study: Surgical checklist reduces 30-day morbidity

Using a surgical safety checklist, including providing comprehensive training on it, significantly decreases 30-day morbidity, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.…

Take Note – Sept/Oct 2009

Patients lose when nurse staffing is insufficient Heavy workloads and insufficient staffing affect patient care, according to about 2,000 nurses surveyed worldwide by the International Council of Nurses…
power-of-perspective

The power of perspective

Christine Pacini wants nurses’ expertise to drive change. Takeaways: When frontline nurses feel empowered to lead, patient outcomes improve, work flow is safer and more efficient, and nurses…
transforming culture resiliency teamwork

Transforming culture through resiliency and teamwork

Support positive relationships and value each team member. Takeaways: A resilient workforce is the foundation for positive change within an organization. When healthcare organizations make resilience intentional, they…

Ventilator-associated events: A new outcome measure

Learning objectives 1. Differentiate the three tiers used to identify ventilator-associated events (VAEs). 2. Identify key elements of VAE surveillance. 3. Discuss the practice implications of VAEs. Purpose/goal:…

Victory on BPA ban in baby bottles, dishware

On March 3 the Washington State House overwhelmingly passed the “Safe Baby Bottle Act” (SSB 6248), a bill to eliminate the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles,…
Nurse staffing

Viewpoint: Putting money at the bedside

Teamwork has proven to be effective in creating strategies to improve patient outcomes. The Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), clinical professionals, healthcare providers, hospital associations,…
Metrics

Why should we care? Metrics that matter

In my December editorial, I discussed dress codes for nurses and why they matter. In response, several readers asked me if I’d consider writing a series of editorials…

Your choice but staff’s voice

It’s common for those who see demonstrations of mechanical patient-lift equipment to praise them as excellent tools.But when it comes to using this equipment in clinical practice, do…

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Cannabis TYK

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