The Mayo Clinic has earned a grade of "A" from The Leapfrog Group in patient safety. How do you promote patient safety as an RN?

"I'm very passionate about patient safety. During my clinical rotations, I realized the extensive amount of patient education that nurses do regularly, which I will also practice. We often forget that patients aren't as knowledgeable about things like medication uses and side effects. Taking the time to educate patients to ensure they are taking medications correctly and effectively promotes a culture of patient safety and reduces risk. Reducing falls is another area in which I will promote patient safety by completing fall risk assessments and adhering to safety precautions like a two-person assist or utilizing a gait belt when ambulating a patient."

"I take patient safety very seriously and utilize various techniques to promote the culture of safety in the workplace. For example, it's important to always double-check the patient's name and DOB along with the medication name and dosage before administering any medications. Education is another way I promote safety through teaching patients and their family members necessary information. This includes information about their medications, possible side effects, concerns or red flags to look for and report, fall risk assessments, ways to prevent falls in the hospital and at home, etc."