Thousands of hospital patients fall each year, some of whom incur significant injuries as a result, so it is essential that people with travel nursing jobs understand the risks of patient falls and how to best avoid them. Falls happen for many reasons, but there are several well-known factors that contribute most regularly to the hazard. A travel nurse who can identify these risks and correct them is in a much better position to care for his or her patients and reduce the impact of falls.
Here is a rundown of what travel nurses should know in order to reduce the negative consequences associated with patient falls.
Risk assessment
The first thing travel nurses should do in their quest to reduce the impact of patient falls is be observant. Many of the risk factors associated with falls can be easily spotted with careful attention and a little bit of knowledge. Elderly patients, because of their weakened physical health and diminished balance, are much more likely to be affected by falls, so travel nurses with older patients should remain particularly vigilant.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older patients, particularly those in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, are at a significantly heightened risk of being injured during a fall. However, within this subset, there are a few other traits that increase the chances of a fall-related issue. Patients who cannot walk or who have a history of falls should be monitored quite carefully.
Strong communication
Of course, to be effective, these risk factors must be communicated quickly and clearly among staff members. If a fall occurs on a shift, it is essential that travel nurses record the incident along with any other pertinent information. Establishing a strong protocol for reporting shift incidents has been shown to help reduce mistakes and minimize the impact of falls and other potentially problematic occurrences.
Communication between co-workers is not enough on its own, however. Many falls occur when travel nurses are helping patients get around or when they are moving them between areas. Talking to the patient during this time to make sure they are all right and aware of what is happening can help reduce the incidence of falls.
Regular checks
One of the most common reasons patients fall is because they attempt to get up from their bed unassisted to go to the bathroom or seek a nurse or other staff member. This can be dangerous, especially at night, so it is important for travel nurses to regularly check in with patients to see if they need assistance. Visiting patients' beds every two hours or so can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fall, according to Nursezone. Furthermore, keeping necessary items – such as canes and walkers – within arms' reach can help patients get out of their bed without falling.