What Role Does Situational Awareness Play in Patient Safety?
Situational awareness is the ability to accurately perceive the environment and anticipate potential problems. In the context of nursing, it involves being vigilant about patient conditions, monitoring changes, and responding promptly to emergencies. Situational awareness is critical for patient safety as it helps prevent medical errors and enhances decision-making in high-pressure situations. By maintaining situational awareness, nurses can effectively prioritize tasks and manage resources to ensure optimal patient care.