To increase safety in patient care areas of the Valley Hospital, the e

QUESTION

To increase safety in patient care areas of the Valley Hospital, the executive begins by:

a. Asking the community what the safety issues are.
b. Consulting with a management expert about staffing schedules.
c. Ensuring that the senior nursing officer attends the board meetings.
d. Instituting improved practices to reduce needle-stick injuries.

ANSWER:

ANS: C
The IOM report (2004) highlighted the importance of the attendance of the senior nurse executive at board meetings to be a key spokesperson on safety and quality issues.