Blog - Nurse fatigue creates a dangerous environment (NSO)

Summary

Nurses work long hours and play a critical role in keeping patients healthy. Many nurses feel that fatigue “comes with the territory” of such a high-stress, high-impact job. But what’s really at risk when a nurse is fatigued? This blog by US insurance company Nurses Service Organization (NSO) looks at the impact of nurse fatigue on patient and staff safety. It suggests several strategies to address the issue:

1. Designing schedules and organising work to reduce nurse fatigue
2. Developing a fatigue management plan
3. Educating staff on sleep hygiene and the effects of fatigue on nurse health and patient safety
4. Providing opportunities for staff to express concerns about fatigue and taking action to address those concerns
5. Making sure extended shifts have adequate staff support and rest periods