Behaviors that undermine a culture of safety and respect have long been a concern among healthcare workers and professionals. Such conduct can adversely affect teamwork, clinical outcomes, and trust. In recent years, unprofessional conduct has come under increased scrutiny by the Joint Commission, American Medical Association, AORN, and other professional…

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Editor's Note The push by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to transform healthcare delivery at community health centers to value-based care is increasing staff dissatisfaction and burnout, this study finds. From 2013 to 2014, clinicians and staff at 296 centers reported statistically significant declines in multiple measures…

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Anyone who heard Vicki Hess, MS, RN, CSP, speak at the annual OR Manager Conference in 2013 probably remembers her lively, compelling message in the closing keynote presentation. Her interactive “Time Out!” talk left attendees with renewed energy and a take-home tool—a simple five-step “SHIFT” checklist to help OR managers…

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Editor's Note A new Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study finds that the body repairs DNA damage more efficiently if workers sleep during the night than if they sleep during the day. Unrepaired DNA damage can lead to cancer and other health problems. Using urine specimens collected during night work…

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Editor's Note A new Kronos survey finds that 93% of nurses are satisfied with their career choice, but fatigue is a substantial issue, the May 8 Business Wire reports. In the survey titled, “Employee Engagement in Nursing,” 98% say their work is both physically and mentally demanding. More than 40%…

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Editor's Note Inspired by aviation and medical best practices for handling crises, researchers have developed a Stress-APGAR protocol to help managers anticipate burnout in employees, according to the April 26 Harvard Business Review. The Stress-APGAR acronym includes five key areas: Appearance: How does the employee look−overly tired, changes in weight,…

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Creating a harmonious work environment can only be achieved through effective leadership that discourages conflict and negativity. “Ditching the drama, restoring sanity to the workplace, and turning excuses into results” is how Cy Wakeman, MS, BSW, describes her leadership philosophy. “Circumstances are not the reasons we can’t succeed—they are the…

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Editor's Note This Canadian study finds that nurse managers’ coping strategies may be inadequate and could negatively impact their long-term health. Interviews with 23 nurse managers and 1 focus group found that nurse managers have severely high levels of role stressors that include: Working with limited resources (budget and staff).…

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Editor's Note A survey of critical care nurses found moderate levels of postcode stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of patients. In 490 nurses surveyed, four coping behaviors (ie, denial, self-distraction, self-blame, and behavioral disengagement) were significant predictors of PTSD symptom severity. Nurses who…

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Editor's Note Intraoperative adverse events (iAEs) occur often and have a significant negative impact on surgeons’ wellbeing, this study finds. Barriers to transparency include fear of litigation and absence of a well-defined reporting system. A survey was conducted of all surgeons at three major teaching hospitals connected with the Harvard…

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