CNA and CFNU believe that safe, compassionate, competent and ethical care is a responsibility shared by all health-care providers, health-care organizations and governments.
Joint Position Statement: Patient Safety
Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU)
CNA & CFNU POSITION
Optimal patient safety requires collaboration, competence and accountability at many levels. Nurses and nurse leaders should be participants in all decision-making so that they can contribute their unique knowledge and skill to the achievement of a culture of safety and safe staffing.
Systemic factors related to change, technology, fast-paced work environments and restricted resources have a crucial bearing on nurses’ ability to prevent or minimize harm.
Quality professional practice environments, safe nurse staffing and organizational models of nursing care that are appropriately matched to patient/client/resident needs are essential to providing safe and ethical care.
Promoting the disclosure of hazards, adverse events, near misses and harm requires a culture of safety rather than a culture of blame. Nurses and other health-care workers require adequate support when intervening to address unsafe or incompetent practice.
