Direct care nurse input can improve safety practices

Understanding the viewpoints and experiences of front-line nurses is critical to implementing improved medication safety practices, according to a study. Published in the December issue of the American Journal of Nursing, the qualitative study of 21 direct care nurses at Orlando Health in Florida, found chaotic environments, heavy nursing workloads, distractions and interruptions increased medication error risk. The authors suggest addressing environmental barriers to safe medication practices, improving education and training on medication management and revising policies and procedures with input from front-line nurses. Authors include AONL member Andrea Schuermann, MSN, RN, manager of quality process improvement and public safety at Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital in Longwood, Fla.