Nr532 Week 4: Patient Safety
Nr532 Week 4: Patient Safety. Identify a patient-safety issue at your current or previous organization. Share your plan to prevent or eliminate the issue
Nr532 Week 4: Patient Safety Answer
A critical patient safety concern I encountered revolved around a nursing shortage, exacerbating issues like fatigue, burnout, and restlessness among healthcare providers. This situation was particularly pronounced during periods of increased patient load, leading to unintended consequences such as medication errors and lapses in attention (Whitehead & Myers, 2016).
An illustrative incident involved a lone nurse responsible for 43 patients in the mental care unit due to a colleague’s departure and another nurse assisting in the emergency department. With diverse patient needs, the nurse faced challenges in providing comprehensive care, leading to medication oversights and perceived negligence.
Addressing the nursing shortage and its associated challenges, including fatigue, is imperative for ensuring patient safety and optimal healthcare delivery. Comprehensive strategies must be implemented, encompassing recruitment, retention, and support programs to mitigate the impact of staffing deficiencies on patient care.
Reference:
Whitehead, D. K., & Myers, B. (2016). Critical care nursing: Diagnosis and management (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
