In healthcare, patient safety is more than just a priority — it’s a shared responsibility and a foundation for improving the quality of care. Every day, dedicated nurses, doctors and healthcare technicians work long hours to help their patients enjoy the best possible health outcomes. While challenges do arise, patient safety remains a core aspect of healthcare practice, and there are continuous opportunities for improvement through systemic efforts and innovation.

The term “patient safety” is vast, encompassing quite a lot. Exactly what is patient safety in healthcare? This discussion gained attention in the U.S. in 1999, when the U.S. Institute of Medicine published its groundbreaking report, “To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System.” This report revealed that preventable harm was an issue, with nearly 98,000 lives lost each year due to avoidable medical errors.¹

Since then, changes were made, both at the congressional level and within the healthcare profession, to help improve the quality of healthcare and the safety of patients. As the industry continues to evolve, patient safety is increasingly seen as a systemic issue that requires an integrated approach. The key is not just to mitigate errors but to create an environment where safety is inherent in every process — from hospital leadership to direct patient care.

While inherent risks in medical treatments are unavoidable, patient safety focuses on minimizing avoidable harm through smarter practices, better communication and rigorous protocols. Patient safety in nursing underscores the systemic flaws that can contribute to preventable harm. For example, inconsistencies in hospital procedures or a lack of standardized protocols for patient monitoring may increase the risk of complications, such as falls or adverse reactions, even when staffing levels are adequate.

Additionally, gaps in the implementation or oversight of infection control measures can lead to higher rates of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), highlighting weaknesses in the healthcare system’s ability to prevent such outcomes.

Patient safety is not just about reducing harm—it's about creating an environment that allows patients to thrive. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 80% of healthcare-related harm is preventable.²

In the U.S., studies show that while the number of preventable deaths is decreasing, the statistics still reflect a significant area for improvement. The goal is not only to reduce these numbers but to fundamentally change how care is delivered, ensuring every patient receives the best, safest treatment possible.³

Every healthcare provider, especially nurses, plays a critical role in making this vision a reality. As front-line caregivers, nurses have a position to spot potential issues early, communicate effectively and advocate for the best care possible. By prioritizing patient safety, nurses not only reduce harm but also improve overall patient satisfaction, recovery times and long-term health outcomes.

The journey toward better patient safety in nursing begins with creating a culture of safety. Healthcare leaders must establish clear policies, procedures and a supportive environment where errors can be openly discussed and addressed. Nurses, however, are key to this culture. They are empowered to implement and advocate for strategies that directly improve patient outcomes.

• Real-time tools: The use of real-time reporting tools and patient status alerts throughout the hospital can quickly notify nurses and doctors when there is a significant change in a patient’s health status. For instance, they’ll know more quickly when a patient’s vital signs are worsening or when another medical emergency could be taking place.
• Data analytics: The use of data analytics has the potential to improve patient safety in healthcare. Nurse informaticists can use information technology and data analytics to assess problem areas that need improvement.
• Shift changes: When nurses are at the end of their shift, they must use clear communication to hand their patients over to the incoming nurses, taking care to emphasize any potential concerns and let incoming nurses know about any assistance (e.g., mobility) the patients may need.

If you’re passionate about advancing patient safety in nursing, obtaining your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can help you with the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference. Studies have shown that BSN-prepared nurses contribute to better patient outcomes, which can make earning your BSN a worthwhile investment in your future and in the future of patient care.⁴ If you’re already a nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), an RN-to-BSN program may help you elevate your skills and knowledge.

If you aren’t yet a working nurse, you can earn a pre-licensure BSN degree before sitting for the NCLEX. If you are a working nurse with an ADN, consider going back to school to complete an RN to BSN program. Earning your BSN can also prepare you to pursue graduate-level nursing education. 

For RNs looking to enhance their expertise in patient safety, a healthcare Graduate Certificate of Completion in Health Care Quality and Patient Safety may be a good choice. This type of program generally covers topics such as the following:

• Nationally established expectations and metrics for quality
• Approaches to aid quality improvement measures
• Methods to track, assess, analyze and review patient safety data
• Ways to mitigate obstacles in healthcare project management and quality improvement
• Technologies that assist clinical decision-making for patient safety

With this graduate certificate, you can work toward being more prepared to identify areas for improvement and potentially lead initiatives that can directly benefit patient outcomes.

For those who wish to take their commitment to patient safety even further, earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an Emphasis in Health Care Quality and Patient Safety degree may open doors to leadership positions in healthcare. As an MSN-prepared nurse, you may have the opportunity to lead patient safety programs, implement system-wide improvements and guide teams toward achieving the highest standards of care. 

Patient safety is not just about avoiding errors; it’s about creating an environment where the best possible care is consistently delivered. By investing in education, collaborating with colleagues and leading safety initiatives, healthcare professionals can contribute to a system that ensures every patient receives the highest standard of care.

If you’re ready to take the next step in advancing patient safety and improving healthcare outcomes, consider pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or certificate that can help empower you to make a meaningful impact. Together, we can build a safer, healthier future for all patients. 

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