Health and safety questions for nurses
What you need to know
1:03 to read
- Does this facility have a safety committee with staff nurse representation? Are events of workplace violence discussed in this committee with plans for prevention?
- Does this facility have a “no manual lift” policy, with access to and training on the available patient lift and transfer devices?
- Are needleless IV systems and safe needle/sharps devices in every unit where there are sharps?
- In the event of exposure to blood/body fluids, is a post exposure policy and procedure in place?
- Does this facility use safer alternatives to cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and pesticides? Is this facility latex-free? How are air quality and ventilation concerns addressed?
- What resources are available to nurses to assist them in relation to difficult events? How are these resources made available?
- What security and alert measures are in place to keep nurses safe?
- What benefits are provided to nurses working less than full time? Is disability insurance provided? Is light duty work offered to nurses injured on the job?
- As applicable to your facility: Does this facility provide annual N-95 fit testing for respiratory protection? Are negative pressure rooms available? Does this facility provide hospital-laundered scrubs?
- Does this facility require shift rotations? Is overtime voluntary? Is there self-scheduling? What is the process to insure uninterrupted meal-rest breaks?
- Is this facility compliant with the Safe Staffing Law (RCW 70.41.420)?