Study Devises Ways to Shorten Steps and Give Nurses More Time

Shortening the number of steps nurses have to take is something hospitals have been striving for as the workforce ages and hospitals make efforts to give caregivers more time at the bedside. One factor working against reducing nurse travel times is the trend toward private rooms, larger rooms and larger unit sizes. In addition, many hospitals have a medication room on each unit with an automated dispenser, and patient safety practices often advise nurses to retrieve medicine for each patient separately.