Hourly Rounding
The Effect of Hourly Rounding on Nurse Satisfaction and Productivity
Kerri Austin
Originally Submitted November 23, 2008
Revised and Resubmitted January 10, 2009
Hourly rounding is a strategy involving nurses and other health care staff to regularly “check in” on patients every hour. Because nursing staff is not reacting to call lights, patients are more content and happy; therefore nurses feel they are doing a better job helping their patients (Studer, 2007). Research has shown that rounding every hour lowers patient’s use of call lights and resultantly decreases the workload of the nurse (Leighty, 2007; Meade, Bursell, & Ketelsen, 2006; & Tipton, 2008). Performing hourly rounds has contributed to 20% less walking per shift worked (Studer, 2007, & Leighty, 2006). By using this proactive approach, nurses can better manage their time and fell they are more attentive to their patient’s needs. Leighty (2006) states, “nurses involved in a hourly rounding protocol are finding their shifts less stressful and their time more productive” (¶ 1).
Activity
The project will consist of instructing nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNA’s) on the benefits of hourly rounding and how to perform hourly rounds appropriately. Pre-instruction, a survey was administered related to the nurse’s/CNA’s feelings/ attitudes on the current odd-hour rounding system and the effects of odd-hour rounding on their time management and the daily routine. Time management and increased productivity is proven to be a benefit of hourly rounding. Performing hourly rounds has contributed to 20% less walking per shift worked (Studer, 2007, & Leighty, 2006). Four staff members will wear pedometers for a specified time prior to the implementation of hourly rounding and will again at the end of the project after hourly rounds have been put into operation for at least 2 weeks (see APPENDIX B).
The teaching is planned after each nurse has used the pedometer for at least three 12-hour shifts.
Kerri Austin
Originally Submitted November 23, 2008
Revised and Resubmitted January 10, 2009
Hourly rounding is a strategy involving nurses and other health care staff to regularly “check in” on patients every hour. Because nursing staff is not reacting to call lights, patients are more content and happy; therefore nurses feel they are doing a better job helping their patients (Studer, 2007). Research has shown that rounding every hour lowers patient’s use of call lights and resultantly decreases the workload of the nurse (Leighty, 2007; Meade, Bursell, & Ketelsen, 2006; & Tipton, 2008). Performing hourly rounds has contributed to 20% less walking per shift worked (Studer, 2007, & Leighty, 2006). By using this proactive approach, nurses can better manage their time and fell they are more attentive to their patient’s needs. Leighty (2006) states, “nurses involved in a hourly rounding protocol are finding their shifts less stressful and their time more productive” (¶ 1).
Activity
The project will consist of instructing nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNA’s) on the benefits of hourly rounding and how to perform hourly rounds appropriately. Pre-instruction, a survey was administered related to the nurse’s/CNA’s feelings/ attitudes on the current odd-hour rounding system and the effects of odd-hour rounding on their time management and the daily routine. Time management and increased productivity is proven to be a benefit of hourly rounding. Performing hourly rounds has contributed to 20% less walking per shift worked (Studer, 2007, & Leighty, 2006). Four staff members will wear pedometers for a specified time prior to the implementation of hourly rounding and will again at the end of the project after hourly rounds have been put into operation for at least 2 weeks (see APPENDIX B).
The teaching is planned after each nurse has used the pedometer for at least three 12-hour shifts.
References: Billings, D. M., & Halstead, J. A. (2005). Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty (2nd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders. Carney, T. (1991). Fourth generation evaluation [Electronic version]. Canadian Journal of Communication, 16(2) http://www.cjc-online.ca/index.php/journal/article/view/612/518 Conway, J Gallagher, J. J. (2006). How to shoot oneself in the foot with program evaluation. Roeper Report, 28(3), 122-124. Generals, J. & Tipton, P. (2008). Rounding increases retention. Nursing Management, 39(5), 11-12. Leighty, J. (2006). Hourly rounding dims call lights. Retrieved November 4, 2009 from, http://www.studergroup.com/dotCMS/knowledgeAssetDetail?inode=319742 Meade, C Stokowski, L. A. (2008). Ring for the nurse: Improving call light management. Retrieved November 2, 2008 from, www.medscape.com/viewarticle/570242[->0] Studer, Q Studer, Q. (2007). Leadership self-audit. Healthcare Financial Management, 61(12), 86-88. Tea, C., Ellison, M., & Feghali, F