The most important point of patient satisfaction is always the interaction they have with staff. Are they kind? Do they listen? Can they put themselves in a patient’s shoes?
All of these things help a patient feel safe and understood. To accomplish that, you need staff who are satisfied with their working environment. Something as simple as the break room can help make the difference. A space where staff can decompress is essential, and so are materials like porcelain tile.
1. Location, Location, Location
Registered nurse turnover remains high, and a major factor is fatigue. One way to cut down on this is to locate break rooms closer to nursing stations. This is key for other departments as well, including patient transport, radiology, and other staff who are patient-facing.
Proximity cuts down on the amount of walking staff have to do, but it’s not just this. If you have a 15-minute break and spend 5 minutes walking to and from the break room, you don’t really have a 15-minute break, do you? That extra bit of time makes a huge difference.
2. Choose Efficient Materials
A clean, well-maintained, and aesthetically pleasing area is also key. Clean and pretty are sometimes mutually exclusive when it comes to flooring, however. Choose a surface like porcelain tile – digital printing means it can emulate complex, attractive, and even soothing designs with detailed accuracy. At the same time, it’s remarkably easy to clean and keep sanitary.
Porcelain tile is also hypoallergenic, doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds, and rejects mold and mildew. This allows an attractive space that’s also quick for your custodial staff to keep clean.
3. Lack of Space = Conflict
Ensure the break room is also spacious enough. If it serves two units, can it really accommodate that many nurses and staff at once? Can you keep it clean if it’s overused? Healthcare facilities require intense focus and incredible effort from employees. Give them the space they need to take a second to themselves.
A break must be a real break from these things. If a break involves conflict with another unit or other staff, it won’t psychologically or physically offer rest.
Every element, from flooring to amenities, is important. Keep your staff happy: the break room is one way to do this.
