For almost 150 years, nurses have been advocating
for patient safety. In 1863, Florence Nightingale stated, “the very first requirement
in a Hospital is that it should do the sick no harm.”
Nurses, more than those in any other profession, spend time directly taking care
of and interacting with patients. This places registered nurses in a position to
help ensure that patients are receiving the safest and most effective care. Since
its beginning in 1908, the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) has provided
support and training for nurses to assist them in promoting patient safety. WSNA
has been very involved in the past decade in the development of policy and tools
to promote patient safety.
"Americans are exposed to more preventable medical errors than patients in other
industrialized nations. Each year, 1.7 million infections occur in U.S. hospitals,
accounting for nearly 99,000 associated deaths. It is estimated that preventable
errors cost the United States $17-$29 billion per year in healthcare expenses, lost
worker productivity, and disability. As healthcare expenditures grow at more than
seven percent each year, patient safety is improving by only one percent." These
numbers mean that nurses and WSNA still have MANY opportunities to make a difference
and improve patient safety.
