Regulation of workplace safety
What is OSHA protecting workers from in the workplace?
Safety hazards and health risks
What are some examples of potentially harmful and hazardous substances nurses can come in contact with?
Radiation, drugs, cleaning chemicals, and unintentional needlesticks
What are some examples that cold increase physical and psychologic demands throughout their shifts?
Workforce downsizing, extended workloads, and increased acuity levels of patients
What are some of the common blood-borne disease/illnesses nurses could come in contact with when inserting an IV?
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV
If a patient is able to walk, but experienced a fall prior to being hospitalized, what assistive device device must the nurse provide?
What does NIOSH stand for and what do they do?
NIOSH- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
They generate new knowledge in safety and health and transfer that into the workplace for the betterment of the workplace and the workers.
What disorder do nurses experience more than other occupations?
Musculoskeletal disorders
What are simple measures that can be done to present or minimize exposure to illnesses?
Hand hygiene and sanitation protocols
What is the priority action needed by a nurse who experienced a needlestick injury?
Notify supervisor
Why are assistive devices important for both the nurse and the patient?
Prevent fall injuries for the patient and musculoskeletal injuries for the nurse
What do the guidelines in the NPA focus on?
Safety parameters for nurses to provide safe, effective, and efficient care
What are some resources nurses can use to help reduce the number of occupational injuries of healthcare workers?
Proper training, lifting devices, and lifting in teams
Besides musculoskeletal injuries and disorders what other problems could nurses develop?
Mental health changes, abnormal sleep patterns, and chronic exhaustion
What is the first priority a nurse can do to help in preventing infections or cross contamination when caring for patients?
Hand hygiene
What is workplace violence?
Any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in the workplace setting
What are some requirements for licensure by the board of nursing?
National council licensure examination for registered nurse (NCLEX-RN)
Continuing education requirements (varies between 3 months, 6 months, and 1-2 years)
What is PPE and what does it do?
PPE- personal protective equipment
Protects healthcare teams/staff from illnesses and hazards, promotes a safer work environment, and supports patient safety.
What is the focus for creating a safer work environment and preventing illness and injury?
Building an awareness of potential safety hazards and finding solutions to prevent them
When a nurse is caring for a patient with meningitis, what PPE precautions must they wear?
What are some strategies to prevent workplace violence?
Keep hair up and tucked away, use breakaway lanyards, be aware of surroundings, watch for/understand emotional cues
What are some examples of unsafe nurse practices?
Inappropriate delegation, abandonment, neglect, exceeding scope of practice, and documentation issues
Who can help healthcare facilities locate and identify health and safety hazards?
NIOSH
Who initiated the STOP STICKS campaign and what is the goal behind the campaign?
NIOSH
Raise awareness of the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens commonly associated with sharps injuries (needlesticks)
If a nurse is required to wear PPE, where must the nurse don the PPE properly?
Designated donning station
What is a mental health safety risk most nurses experience that can affect the quality of their performance?
Burnout or compassion fatigue