Feng Shui of Nursing

[Emergent, RN]

I became aware of the fact that the Feng Shui of my best job was a huge contributer to my satisfaction and success. The ER just flowed well. There was a busy nurses' station, but there were also places for people like me to get away from Grand Central Station.

I think the design of nursing stations is vital in creating an atmosphere that is inclusive of all personality types, encourages collaboration with other colleagues, and allows those more prone to sensory overload to retreat to more private areas.

Computers in the rooms are vital. I always encourage people to chart in the patients' rooms. But for those who feel more comfortable with charting at the nurses' station, create a hospitable environment where people can concentrate on their work and be in their comfort zone, whatever that may be.

[Davey Do]

How. Very. Cool! Emergent! Feng Shui! Yes!

The flow of energy is so very important to a harmoniously productive environment! We can be a part of that energy, allowing the river to take it where it will channeling the negative energy through aikido to a desired outcome!

The visual quality of the environment is so important and the way in which we move and the sounds we make in that environment are just as important.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I recently floated to a newer-built part of the hospital, and it was wonderful to have proper windows with natural light, rooms with a good layout and well-designed nurses stations. Breakrooms are large enough and positioned far enough away, but not too far away from the action. 

I currently work in an older section that was probably fine in the time they were built. When gloves became standard, glove boxes were put up in all kinds of random places in patient rooms. When computers and EMR rolled out, monitors and keyboards were added in where they could fit. In one of my rooms, I charted with the backs of my thighs leaning against the footboard of the patient bed. Older rooms paid no attention to where to put visitors, because back in the day strict visiting hours. The ICU has no bathrooms in patient rooms, so at the end of shift you will find a parade of nurses walking across the unit carrying urinals to the dirty utility room when foleys are emptied. 

Our new department is in a new building under construction, and am looking forward to seeing it. Hoping for good Feng Shui.

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

I completely agree--my brain does much better in an orderly, aesthetically-pleasing environment.  I've worked in poorly designed, cramped units with no flow at all and I felt so incredibly overstimulated by the end of a shift.  Unfortunately I think the kind of thoughtful design you're describing is relatively rare.

[HiddenAngels]

Grand Central Station lmbo

Nice read.  I once floated somewhere where it was peaceful, and calm, lots of space, and it does make for a nice ease of ideas/charting/creativity.  I even had time to potty and eat a nice lunch