Needle injury prevention by proper use of sharps containers

Sharps containers, also known as sharps disposal containers, are specialized boxes intended to hold and dispose of used needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects safely. They are impervious to punctures and leaks and contain locking mechanisms to prevent inadvertent exposure or spillage.

It is vitally important to use sharps containers for all disposable sharps to prevent bloodborne infections (BBIs) and needlestick injuries (NSIs) to healthcare workers, patients, and the public. When a contaminated sharp item pierces the skin or comes into touch with a mucous membrane, it can cause needle stick injuries, which not only cause pain but can also spread infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C viruses, and human immunodeficiency viruses.

Sharps disposal errors, such as throwing them away in ordinary garbage or leaving them exposed, increase the risk of NSIs. These injuries can have serious effects, such as BBI transmission, severe psychological discomfort, and even cost burden. Additionally, unsafe needle handling has a negative impact on the overall safety culture of a healthcare facility. When healthcare workers are not confident that their safety is being prioritized, they are more likely to make mistakes and experience accidents. This creates a dangerous environment for both patients and healthcare workers. Training healthcare workers on the precautions for needle stick injuries is paramount as it helps them to identify, handle, and dispose of sharps properly. 

In conclusion, by taking necessary precautions and proper use of sharp containers, healthcare facilities can help to prevent the negative consequences of unsafe needle handling and protect the health and safety of patients, healthcare workers, and the community.

The Supremacy of Seasoned Employees: Nursing Workforce Review

Does experience really matter in the workplace?

It's a question that has been debated for years, but one thing is clear. Experienced employees bring a unique set of skills and benefits to the workplace. To illustrate this point, consider a case study done and analyzed by myself, Adams M.K.

While working as a nurse manager in a busy healthcare unit, I conducted a situation assessment study within four workstations. This study was based on qualitative analysis of set indicators and behavioral assessments.

The results? Clear evidence that seasoned employees shine in the workplace. Firstly, expertise matters. Experienced employees bring a wealth of knowledge and skills honed through years of practice. Their ability to navigate complex challenges is invaluable.

check video link below for more content.  

 • The Supremacy of Seasoned Employees: ...  

The Power of Skilled Nursing workforce on patient safety

The impact of Skilled Nursing workforce on patient safety

A skilled nursing workforce has a significant impact on patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery. Studies have shown that higher nurse staffing levels are associated with lower rates of patient mortality, morbidity, and complications. For example, a study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that a 10% increase in the number of registered nurses (RNs) per patient was associated with a 5% decrease in the risk of patient death.

Skilled nurses play a critical role in ensuring patient safety by:

• Providing high-quality care: Nurses are responsible for administering medications, monitoring patients' vital signs, and providing wound care. They are also responsible for educating patients about their condition and how to manage their care.

• Identifying and responding to changes in patients' condition: Nurses are the eyes and ears of the healthcare team. They are responsible for monitoring patients' condition and reporting any changes to the physician. This is especially important for patients who are at high risk for complications.

• Preventing errors: Nurses are responsible for following safe medication administration practices and other protocols to prevent errors. They are also responsible for reporting any errors that do occur so that they can be investigated and prevented from happening again.

• Advocating for patients: Nurses are patients' advocates. They are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the care they need and that their rights are respected.

In addition to their direct impact on patient safety, skilled nurses also contribute to the quality of healthcare delivery by:

• Providing continuity of care: Nurses often work with patients over extended periods of time. This allows them to build relationships with patients and their families and to gain a deep understanding of their needs.

• Coordinating care: Nurses play a key role in coordinating care among different members of the healthcare team. This helps to ensure that patients receive seamless care and that their needs are met in a timely manner.

• Providing education and support: Nurses are responsible for educating patients about their condition and how to manage their care. They also provide support to patients and their families during difficult times.

In conclusion, a skilled nursing workforce is essential for ensuring patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery. By investing in nursing education and training, healthcare organizations can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse events.

Impacts of skilled Nursing workforce to patient safety and quality of healthcare delivery

Skilled Nursing workforce and Patient safety

A skilled nursing workforce has a significant impact on patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery. Studies have shown that higher nurse staffing levels are associated with lower rates of patient mortality, morbidity, and complications. For example, a study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that a 10% increase in the number of registered nurses (RNs) per patient was associated with a 5% decrease in the risk of patient death.

Skilled nurses play a critical role in ensuring patient safety by:

• Providing high-quality care: Nurses are responsible for administering medications, monitoring patients' vital signs, and providing wound care. They are also responsible for educating patients about their condition and how to manage their care.

• Identifying and responding to changes in patients' condition: Nurses are the eyes and ears of the healthcare team. They are responsible for monitoring patients' condition and reporting any changes to the physician. This is especially important for patients who are at high risk for complications.

• Preventing errors: Nurses are responsible for following safe medication administration practices and other protocols to prevent errors. They are also responsible for reporting any errors that do occur so that they can be investigated and prevented from happening again.

• Advocating for patients: Nurses are patients' advocates. They are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the care they need and that their rights are respected.

In addition to their direct impact on patient safety, skilled nurses also contribute to the quality of healthcare delivery by:

• Providing continuity of care: Nurses often work with patients over extended periods of time. This allows them to build relationships with patients and their families and to gain a deep understanding of their needs.

• Coordinating care: Nurses play a key role in coordinating care among different members of the healthcare team. This helps to ensure that patients receive seamless care and that their needs are met in a timely manner.

• Providing education and support: Nurses are responsible for educating patients about their condition and how to manage their care. They also provide support to patients and their families during difficult times.

In conclusion, a skilled nursing workforce is essential for ensuring patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery. By investing in nursing education and training, healthcare organizations can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse events.

How the agony of underrated BScNs in Kenya equates to the 30-50% churning rate

What is BScN cadre of Nursing?

BScN nurses are highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals who play a vital role in the healthcare system. The extensive 5 year degree training gives them a broad understanding of nursing science, as well as the clinical skills necessary to provide care to patients of all ages. BScN nurses are also able to think critically and solve problems effectively.

Cadre differentiation

For objectivity in this discussion, I will state a clear difference between BScN and KRN/KRM/KRCHN.

According to the regulating body of Kenyan Nurses-NCK, BScN is a 5-year undergraduate degree program that provides students with a broad education in nursing science. BScN graduates are qualified to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including specialized hospital units, clinics, nursing homes, research centers and even training institutions..

On the other hand, KRCHN is a 3 year-diploma program that focuses on community health nursing majorly focused on general nursing, midwifery or psychiatry. KRCHN graduates are qualified to work in a variety of community-based settings, such as health centers, schools, and community development organizations. Based on the KRCHN curriculum, there is always a need for education advancement through Higher National Diploma(HND) for a period not less than one year so as to practice in specialized care units. 

Overall, BScN is a more comprehensive and rigorous program than KRCHN. BScN graduates have a broader range of skills and knowledge, and they are qualified to work in a wider variety of healthcare settings. KRCHN graduates are more specialized in community health nursing, and they are typically focused on direct patient care.

In addition to their clinical skills, BScN nurses are also skilled in communication, collaboration, negotiation, health entrepreneurship and leadership. They are able to work effectively with other members of the healthcare team, as well as with patients and their families. Like other cadres of nurses, BScN nurses are also advocates for their patients and work to ensure that they receive the best possible care. These attributes make them efficient to work in a variety of settings.

The Agony

For ages graduate nurses in Kenya are often underrated and undervalued. This is despite the fact that they play a vital role in the country's healthcare system.  Below are the most obvious struggles of this cadre; 

Lack of recognition

Despite their important role, BScNs in Kenya often face a number of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of recognition for their skills and expertise. It beats logic how many employers still view BScNs as being less qualified than their lesser trained counterparts, even though they have undergone rigorous training, and education. This lack of recognition can lead to BScNs being underpaid and undervalued.

Career stagnation

Another challenge that BScNs face is the lack of opportunities for advancement. Many BScNs are stuck in dead-end jobs with little hope of moving up the career ladder. This is because there are limited opportunities for BScNs to take on management or supervisory roles despite their qualification.

Poor working conditions

This is a general problem cutting across all cardres of Nurses in Kenya. They often have to work in hospitals and clinics that are understaffed and lack basic resources. This makes it difficult to provide quality care to patients and eventually leads to dissatisfaction among nurses.

Low salaries

BScN nurses just like other nursing cadres in Kenya are among the lowest paid in the world. A study by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics found that the median monthly salary for a nurse in Kenya is Ksh 35,000 (approximately $230). This is significantly lower than the salaries of nurses in other countries, such as the United Kingdom (where the median salary for a nurse is £35,000) and the United States (where the median salary for a nurse is $75,000).

Discrimination

Younger BScN nurses also face discrimination and stereotyping in the workplace on the basis of their age and gender. This stereotyping flows all the way from human resource policy makers to peer levels. This creates a hostile work environment and makes it difficult to succeed.

Agonizing impact: High churning rates for BScNs

The low status of BScNs in Kenya has a number of negative consequences. First, it discourages young people from pursuing a career in nursing. Second, it makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified nurses. Third, it leads to a shortage of nurses in the country, which can have a negative impact on patient care. 

Increasing emigration

There is no definitive data on the churning rates for BScN nurses in Kenya, but from the Kenya Health Workforce(KHWF) report of 2017, it was estimated to be around 20-30% per year. This was significantly higher than the global average of 10-15%. It is believed that with current(2023) high cost of living and demotivating factors the rate may be above 30% and maybe above 50% by 2030.

Brain drain from emigration of locally produced workforce has left a huge gap of human resource to practice on the swelling sick population. This has impacted to challenges in patient safety, value and quality of healthcare delivery.

Emigration points

Local studies show that BScNs not only emigrate to UK(33%) and USA(49%) but also other well paying countries. This is clear picture of brain-drain

What should be done?

There are a number of things that can be done to improve the status of BScNs in Kenya. One is to increase awareness of the important role that BScNs play in the healthcare system. Another is to provide BScNs with more opportunities for advancement. Finally, it is important to ensure that BScNs are paid fairly for their skills and expertise.

Here are some specific steps that can be taken to improve the status of BScNs in Kenya:

• Increase awareness of the importance of BScNs. The government, NCK, Nursing associations(NNAK) and unions(KNUN), media, and other stakeholders like universities, MoH, need to do more to raise awareness of the important role that BScNs play in the healthcare system. This can be done through public education campaigns, symposiums, Nursing chapter conferences, media coverage, and other initiatives

• Invest in training and development programs: The healthcare industry should invest in training and development programs for nurses. The programs will lead to upgrading of the majority of the workforce and thus setting standards. This will help to improve the quality of care that nurses can provide to patients and will make them more marketable to potential employers.

• Provide BScNs with more opportunities for advancement. Both public and private hospitals and other healthcare facilities need to create more opportunities for BScNs to take clinical, management and supervisory roles. This can be done by developing career ladders for BScNs and providing them with opportunities for training and development. Without this they will be rendered redundant and make them stagnant

.

• Ensure that BScNs are paid fairly for their skills and expertise. The government needs to set fair wages for BScNs and ensure that they are paid in line with their skills and experience. This can be done by conducting regular wage surveys and adjusting wages accordingly. Salary and scale standardization will be key in view of decentralization of health function and private sector.

• Policy making on scopes of practice, remunerations and professional standardization from relevant stakeholders.

By taking these steps, we can improve the status of BScNs and the overall Nursing profession thus creating a more attractive and rewarding career path for nurses. Its without doubt that this will ultimately reduce the churning rates and increase confidence in patient safety and quality of healthcare delivery.

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