Role of ADN and BSN Nurses in Patient Safety
Patient safety is an important element to consider during a patient’s stay at the hospital. This safety ranges from prevention of physical injury, offering a secure environment and preventing nosocomial infection. It is important as it ensures that the patient has a conducive environment to enhance healing. A secure environment also ensures that the nurse caters to the emotional and psychological aspects of the patient. Take for instance a patient who stays in a hospital in which they are abused psychologically by either member of the staff or the other patients. In such a case, the patient is likely to suffer from emotional and psychological distress that may lead to withdrawal. Various researchers have proven that the ADN and BSN nurses play a role in the realization of patient safety.
One of how these nurses can ensure patient safety is through the utilization of aseptic technique and proper disposal of waste and objects. (Ulrich, 2015) suggests that it creates a safe patient environment thus preventing the risk of acquiring nosocomial infections.
Another way in which a nurse could ensure the safety of the patient is through the action as the patient advocate. In such a case, the nurse can prevent errors occurring during practice. (Thomas, 2015) describes that some of the errors could be a wrong procedure done on the patient or wrong medication given to a patient. This advocacy gives the nurses power to intervene when mistakes happen during a procedure.
Nurses are also able to ensure patient safety through ascertaining that the patient’s environment is free from objects that are likely to cause harm to the patient. Some of these objects may include needles, scalpels and other objects lying around. (Ulrich, 2014) illustrates that, the nurseshave a role to take up leadership duties and prevent any possible harm to patients.
References
Thomas-Hawkins, C., Flynn, L., Lindgren, T.G., & Weaver, S. (2015). Nurse manager safety practices in outpatient hemodialysis units. Nephrology Nursing Journal
Ulrich, B., & Kear, T. (2015). Patient safety culture in nephrology nurse practice settings: Results byprimary work unit, organizational work setting, and primary role. Nephrology Nursing Journal
Ulrich, B., & Kear, T. (2014). Patient safety and patient safety culture: Initial findings. Nephrology Nursing JournalUlrich, B., & Kear, T. (2014). Patient safety and patient safety culture: Initial findings. Nephrology Nursing Journal
