22 | Exposing the Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Nurses with Dr. Carol Ash, Part 2

In this episode of the Nursing Insights Podcast, host Stephanie Olaso continues her discussion with Dr. Carol Ash about the critical issue of sleep deprivation among nurses, particularly those working night shifts. Dr. Ash sheds light on the historical and cultural factors that contribute to a healthcare environment where fatigue and drowsy driving are common risks. They discuss the importance of addressing these issues, not just to improve nurse wellbeing, but to enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes.

You will learn about actionable strategies that healthcare organizations can adopt to help combat fatigue among nurses, including flexible scheduling, providing nap spaces, and potentially incorporating AI and virtual nursing support. Dr. Ash also shares insights into how a shift in mindset, treating sleep as an essential component of nurse safety, can lead to a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Key Takeaways

• The historical culture in healthcare has contributed to the stigma around sleep and rest for nurses.
• Sleep deprivation in nurses increases the risk of patient errors, drowsy driving, and long-term health issues.
• Implementing drowsiness mitigation strategies, such as nap spaces and flexible schedules, can help reduce fatigue.
• Emerging technologies like AI and virtual nursing can support nurses working night shifts by monitoring and adjusting schedules to optimize alertness.
• Changing attitudes toward sleep as a fundamental component of healthcare safety is essential to improve nurse wellbeing and patient care.

Relevant Links

• American Journal of Nursing - Mitigating Drowsy Driving Risk for Night Shift Nurses
• National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week