A Healthy Work Environment A healthy work environment may mean different things to different people. For nurses, a healthy work environment may involve clean surroundings, and proper equipment among other things. A healthy work environment for nurses, equates to a healthier environment for the patients. What Makes a Healthy Work Environment? A hospital or medical clinic that treats their employees well is on the right track for creating a healthy and safe work environment. An employer that cares for the employees, and values their opinions, is a place that is creating a healthy work environment. A well-run facility that promotes a good work environment wants to ensure that there is enough staff, and that they are properly trained. Continuing education trainings will continue on to ensure every employee is up to date of procedures and policies of the hospital. Hospitals have changed over the years. No longer are they a dull and scary place as you walk in the door. Hospitals are now bright, and can actually be cheerful. You may see extraordinary works of art on the walls, and the smell of alcohol and arthritis ointment are no longer the normal smells, they have been replaced by aroma therapy smells of lavender and other refreshing fragrances. Floors are shiny and clean, walls are painted in warm tones instead of the old fashioned clinical bright white. Employee break rooms are often set up as a home like environment, assuring that break time for staff is a relaxing experience. Related: The 5 Most Common Causes of Back Injuries among Nurses There is actually a fair amount of competition to hire and maintain good nurses. Hospitals compete for nurses, and once a good nurse is employed, hospital officials do all they can to keep them in place. A critical factor in keeping great nurses is to produce a safe and healthy work environment. Sharp object containers are appropriately placed and emptied regularly, and any emergency equipment needed is neat, organized, and in a convenient location. A healthy and safe environment is a place that is clean, and the employer cares about the satisfaction level of their employees. Modern versus Older Hospitals A senior nurse at a trauma enter explains that for years she worked at a hospital that was always behind the times. She had not worked another hospital before, so there was really nothing to compare her working environment to. The hospital passed inspections, and the patients were
safe, however the hospital interiorlacked that warm feeling, it was very clinical, and the only thing hanging on the walls were directional signs, or signs that suggested everyone know CPR. After visiting a more modern hospital, the nurse decided to change jobs and finish out her nursing career in more pleasant surroundings. She later made note that she knew she was going to a more aesthetically pleasing hospital, however she had no idea what a better and healthier work environment she would experience. More modern and updated facilities are often an indication of a healthier environment, which was true in this case for certain. She first noticed how much happier or at least more content the patientswere, and their coworkers appeared to be happier and more excited about their job. The nurse saw firsthand what state of the art modern conveniences offered, and she was so glad that she made the decision to change jobs. The following year, her previous employer did a big renovation of the older hospital, bringing everything up to date, and providing modern conveniences, which were very much needed. Although very happy in her new job, the nurse was pleased to see her previous work environment make such a dramatic change. This was very much proof positive that a more modern work environment not only is safer, with modern amenities, it is also a more pleasant environment to work in. While newer may not always mean better, the features, equipment’s, and even the décor can make for amuch more pleasant place to work in. Related: Family Interactions of Terminal Patients Medical facilities that are consistent in following the newest innovations for patients and employees have the safest and healthiest work environments. Anything new that proves beneficial for patients or employees will make for more pleasant surroundings, and can ease the strain of those long 12 hour shifts. When selecting a hospital to work in, consider the environment. If it lacks up to date surroundings, the facility is more likely than not going to lack state of the art medical equipment, or other conveniences that make for a healthier and safe work environment. Related: International Nurses Association - What's Your Superpower? Tshirt Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter