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Ask the expert: Keep it safe in the workplace

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, October 16, 2007

This week, a reader asks how nursing staff can be more involved in workplace safety. Read the response below from our advisor, Elise Gropper, PhD, APRN,BC, CPHQ, president of Gropper & Associates, Inc., Coral Springs, FL.

Q: How can staff nurses be more involved in workplace safety?
 
A: The philosophical underpinnings of the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® are nursing autonomy in practice and decision making. Therefore, allow staff nurses to make decisions when evaluating best practices in workplace safety. The following are a few ways to involve staff nurses in creating and maintaining a safe work environment:

• Encourage staff nurses to come up with creative strategies to address workplace safety such as using grants to purchase equipment
• Take out medical equipment or furniture that is in disrepair or tripping hazards such as boxes and electrical cords
• Develop environmental rounds on nursing units to identify workplace safety issues
• Find out from staff nurses what are their area's safety vulnerabilities and what processes interfere with work flow
• Make staff nurses aware of safety measures through a safety fair or safety newsletter

Editor's note: Do you have a question for one of our advisors? If you'd like us to consider your query for publication, please send it to Cameran Erny.

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