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Review
. 2004 Nov;10(11):1984-9.
doi: 10.3201/eid1011.040253.

Nurses' working conditions: implications for infectious disease

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Review

Nurses' working conditions: implications for infectious disease

Patricia W Stone et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2004 Nov.

Abstract

Staffing patterns and nurses' working conditions are risk factors for healthcare-associated infections as well as occupational injuries and infections. Staffing shortages, especially of nurses, have been identified as one of the major factors expected to constrain hospitals' ability to deal with future outbreaks of emerging infections. These problems are compounded by a global nursing shortage. Understanding and improving nurses' working conditions can potentially decrease the incidence of many infectious diseases. Relevant research is reviewed, and policy options are discussed.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Blood and body fluids' exposure by personnel category. Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (34).

References

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    1. Institute of Medicine. Keeping patients safe: transforming the work environment of nurses (prepublication copy). Washington: National Academies Press; 2004. p. 435. - PubMed
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    1. Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions. Projected supply, demand, and shortages of registered nurses: 2000–2020. Washington. Rev ADM. 2002.

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