Emergency Nurse Duty Hours and Patient Safety Position Statement-Emergency Nurse Duty Hours and Patient Safety Position Statement

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Emergency nurses work a variety of shifts, but there is a growing concern about the impact of shift length on patient safety and nurse well-being. Longer shifts have been linked to staff burnout, fatigue, and increased errors. The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) believes that optimal shift length for emergency nurses is eight hours to reduce burnout, compassion fatigue, and fatigue-related errors. The ENA also emphasizes the importance of employers implementing strategies to decrease fatigue, including avoiding unstaffed shifts, mandatory overtime, and shifts that exceed 12 consecutive hours of work. It is the responsibility of the nurse to self-monitor and ensure adequate rest between shifts, especially when working for multiple employers. <br /> <br />    Working long shifts and insufficient sleep can lead to errors in medication administration and patient care. Fatigue and sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function and decision-making abilities, increasing the risk of adverse events and accidents. Nurses working chronic extended hours are also at risk of burnout and compassion fatigue, which can negatively impact patient satisfaction and care. The ENA recommends that employers educate nurses on the effects of extended hours on patient safety and nurse health, and that nurses participate in the development of policies and procedures that promote a safe and healthy work environment. <br /> <br />    Currently, there are no specific regulations in the US limiting the number of hours a nurse can work in a 24-hour or seven-day period. However, hospitals can voluntarily implement plans to address staffing issues and prevent overtime and staff burnout. It is important for healthcare facilities to invest in the well-being of their nursing staff by providing rest areas, self-care courses, and support groups. Improving work environments leads to a nursing staff that feels supported and less likely to accept fatigue as a norm. <br /> <br />    Overall, it is crucial for emergency nurses and employers to prioritize patient safety and nurse well-being by implementing strategies to combat fatigue, ensure adequate rest between shifts, and promote a healthy work environment. The ENA’s position is based on current knowledge and may be subject to change as new information emerges.

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duty hours safety

duty hours staffing

duty hours burnout

duty hours turnover

duty hours shifts

duty hours fatigue

duty hours medication error

duty hours compassion

duty hours self-monitor

duty hours patient

duty hours overtime

Keywords

emergency nurses

shift length

patient safety

nurse well-being

staff burnout

fatigue

errors

compassion fatigue

shifts

optimal shift length