Take action: a culture of safety

Nephrol Nurs J. 2014 Jan-Feb;41(1):11-2.

Abstract

Nephrology nurses can influence safety outcomes in all areas of nephrology care, including but not limited to dialysis access events, dialysis machine events, medication events, patient injury events, and staff injury events. Nephrology nurses are instrumental in recognizing and mitigating hazards. The Nephrology Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (Gomez, 2011) states that the nephrology registered nurse practices in an environmentally safe and healthy manner. One of the competencies for the nephrology nurse is: Promotes and monitors the practice environment for appropriate infection control practices including consumer safety, environmental, and equipment concerns, which impact the healthcare consumer. Do you feel safe? Do your patients feel safe? Take action - ensure that your organization has a culture of safety; volunteer to be a member of the safety committee; review policies and procedures; identify potential hazards.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Organizational Culture*
  • Patient Safety*
  • Renal Dialysis / nursing*