Table 1 Nurse Station Work Design Features by Priority (N = 34)
From: Development and validation of a Nurse Station Ergonomics Assessment (NSEA) tool
Nurses’ Important Work Design Features | Nurses’ ratings Frequency / Percent |
|---|---|
Nurse stations should be located at the centre of the ward, and not next to the entrance | 32 / 94% |
There should be enough space for nurses’ and physicians’ equipment and tools | 30 / 88% |
Nurse stations should allow direct observation of all patients | 29 / 85% |
Nurse stations must have at least two entrances, each with doors to prevent unauthorized access | 27 / 79% |
Nurse stations should have dedicated space for meetings | 23 / 68% |
The layout of desks and equipment such as emergency trolley and nurse call systems should permit easy access | 20 / 59% |
The ward entrance and exit should be visible from the nurse station | 19 / 56% |
Nurse stations should have fully adjustable chairs with strong legs | 19 / 56% |
Nurse stations should have clear access to the drug store | 16 / 47% |
Nurse stations should have good ventilation | 14 / 41% |
Nurses form and size should not be prescribed, but bespoke, according to the layout of beds | 13 / 38% |
The counter should have adjustable heights to allow for standing and sitting | 13 / 38% |
A chart processing area should be located in a quiet part of the nurse station | 12 / 35% |
The nurse station counter must have a toughened glass screen for nurses’ safety | 12 / 35% |
The counter depth should all medical records to be opened up | 12 / 35% |
There must be a handwash basin | 8 / 24% |
The nurse station counter area should have drawers for storage | 8 / 24% |
Nurse stations should have a charting desk | 8 / 24% |
The floor finish should prevent slipping | 8 / 24% |
Nurse stations should have a window | 7 / 21% |
Work surfaces should not have sharp edges | 7 / 21% |
All wires and cables in a nurse station should be placed in a duct | 6 / 18% |
There should be a sufficient number of computer desks with space for monitor and keyboard for the number of nurses working | 5 / 15% |
Nurse stations should have variable lighting according to the work | 5 / 15% |
Colours in addition to white should be used | 5 / 15% |
Shelves for forms and files should be designed under the counter | 4 / 12% |
The trolley of patient files should be next to the charting desk | 4 / 12% |
Flowers and plants should be used around the nurse station | 2 / 6% |