Posted By Nigel Addison Does anyone have any research information in regard to the elimination of nurses stations in hospital wards ? In particular I am interested in the workplace environment impact and psychological issues of such a move e.g. 1. Potential effect on staff having nowhere to write reports 2. Effect on morale of nursing staff 3. Rationale of such moves I am aware that in regard to the latter, elimination of a nurse station is apparently justified in regard to preventing nurses "congregating" and encouraging more contact with patients. In addition, nurses stations are seen to be a barrier to patients and visitors. The advent of electronic patient records should allow nurses to provide more care at the bedside. Eliminating the nursing station should however coincide with significant investment in IT and training to meet this end. My fear is that eliminating nurses stations without that coincidental investment will cause problems. Any comments gratefully received.

Posted By John Webster Nigel I am not aware of any moves to eliminate nurses' stations. Where does this come from as I would like to follow it up? John