Nurses need to pay attention to the smallest of details while on the job. However, nurses at one hospital are working on a research project in order to improve patient care. According to Oregon's Stateman Journal, the employee-led research project that was conducted at Salem Hospital has lead to improved patient care in the hospital. The effort is just one example that Salem Hospital is using in its application towards "magnet recognition" through the American Nurses Credential Center. The project was intended to reduce the occurrence of bedsores, and lead to the creation of a lift team of strong nurses to help turn patients more frequently, while other nurses made sure that the patients heels were elevated to prevent ulcers from forming on their feet. Having magnet status means that the hospitals nursing program can easily attract and retain well-qualified nurses. "Magnet status really designates a hospital that is constantly in pursuit of excellence and trying to always improve," Bret Lyman, director of Western Oregon University, which has close ties to the school, said to the news source. "Salem Hospital's ready for that designation." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 22% between 2008 and 2018.  |