Four Concerns on Every Nurse Manager’s Mind

Nurse managers in today’s fast-paced healthcare environment are working to create spaces that blend quality treatment with operational efficiency. One important factor is furniture — more specifically, seating.

The “right” seating isn’t just about budget or aesthetics. Scientific research shows a clear connection between patient-centered seating and positive outcomes in healthcare facilities. Ultimately, medical seating plays a central role in crucial areas:

• Improving treatment and recovery comfort
• Optimizing patient wellbeing
• Increasing staff efficiency

In this blog, we reveal four seating-related concerns that are top of mind for today’s nurse managers — and pinpoint the cutting-edge solutions that can help address them.

#1: Space

Foot traffic is on the rise, and recent Haworth research notes that many nurses are concerned about shrinking square footage and its impact on their work. With the growth of on-demand treatments and the need to address emerging diseases, patient volumes are trending up across the healthcare sector.

Less space means limited patient visibility, delayed staff communication, and a frustrating struggle to accommodate everyone’s needs in an overly crowded environment. Ineffectual seating that takes up too much real estate is a drain on resources, and a hazard to staff and patients. 

The solution: Procedure Chairs. This innovative style of seating is specifically designed to optimize patient flow by allowing patients to progress through their entire treatment — from admission to discharge — on a single piece of equipment. This saves space, as only one device is required, rather than multiple surfaces and seats.

It also saves time, since the patient can be easily transported from one treatment area to another. Champion’s TMM4 PLUS, for example, can be utilized as a transport and procedure chair, and is also commonly used in pre- and post-op surgery settings and for endoscopy or GI procedures.

Read More: “Why Saving Space Is Vital to Clinical Efficiency”

#2: Infection Control

Infection is an ever-present risk in hospitals, and preventing it takes constant vigilance. Nurse managers often find themselves fighting an uphill battle to contain the spread of germs: Crowded waiting rooms make sharing illnesses all too easy, porous fabrics retain spills or bodily fluids, and the list goes on. Many healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can be attributed to microbe-infested objects, and even when hospitals are in compliance with recommended disinfection protocols, pathogenic bacteria can still cling to high-touch surfaces.

Healthcare seating is prone to spreading infection since it’s in regular use day in and day out. Deteriorating fibers add to these health concerns.

The solution: Antimicrobial Fabric. Traditional furniture fabrics are a breeding ground for bacteria, dirt, dander, and other unsavory particles. They also break down more easily and have a lower tolerance for the harsh cleaners and rough handling that comes with the territory. 

Fortunately, there’s a superior alternative: polyurethane fabrics. PVC-free fibers such as those used in Champion’s Secura line are strong, durable, and customizable. Woven into deceptively soft, luxurious patterns and tones, their top layer features an antibacterial agent that helps prevent harmful bacteria.

#3: Efficiency

It’s a tale as old as time: Excellent patient care cannot be rushed, but there are never enough hours in a day. Working smart is key, and nurse managers need options that help streamline tasks — for example, minimizing time spent transporting patients or relocating procedural equipment. 

Additionally, nurse managers are seeking more comprehensive methods for keeping patients comfortable in their rooms. Temperature regulation and posture adjustments can quickly add up to a lot of time in a nurse’s busy shift, so giving patients tools to make their own selections improves quality of care for everyone involved. 

In a nurse manager’s hectic world, the best seating should mitigate unnecessary work, freeing up their schedules to focus on what matters most in caring for their patients.

The solution: Innovative Seating. High quality seating solutions can be an incredible aid for patients who are able to have an active role in their own care. Person-centered design requires chairs that are easy to adjust and provide a multitude of reclining, heating, padding, massage, and other comfort options. 

Champion’s Siesta Key Sleeper can quickly transition from comfy chair into a spacious overnight couch, while the Alō Collection medical recliners are specifically crafted with adaptable configurations and caregiver accessibility considerations.

#4: Versatility

Efficiency and cleanliness aside, one of the most important roles of furniture is to offer support — in all its forms. Healthcare seating is a place to receive treatment, wait for test results, visit with a loved one, and recover from a procedure. Often, a recliner is the only spot available for a nap during an all-night bedside vigil. Nurse managers need seating that provides both comfort and utility, and that’s no small task. 

The Solution: Modular Seating. Some recliners are especially suited for adapting to the situation at hand. Their swing-away arms, compact size, and convenient accessibility ensure comfort for anyone using them. Champion’s Verō model exemplifies these characteristics, as it can be built to suit specific facility needs. 

Rest Easy with the Best Healthcare Seating Options

Nurse managers wear a lot of hats, so it makes sense that their facility’s medical furniture should too. 

With the right medical seating at their disposal, healthcare facilities can make an outstanding impact on their patients’ overall experience and quality of care.

To view Champion’s complete portfolio of products, browse our digital catalog. Then, request a quote for your facility.