PHARMACIST STEVE

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/extended.html

From the article:

What is an Extended/Unusual Shift and when are they used?

A normal work shift is generally considered to be a work period of no more than eight consecutive hours during the day, five days a week with at least an eight-hour rest. Any shift that incorporates more continuous hours, requires more consecutive days of work, or requires work during the evening should be considered extended or unusual. Extended shifts may be used to maximize scarce resources.

Extended or unusual work shifts may be more stressful physically, mentally, and emotionally. Non-traditional shifts and extended work hours may disrupt the body’s regular schedule, leading to increased fatigue, stress, and lack of concentration. These effects lead to an increased risk of operator error, injuries and/or accidents.

Society is oriented toward traditional daytime work hours and work at night will often intensify fatigue and reduce alertness. Workers generally will not acclimate to night work, and sleep patterns will generally be disrupted so the non-work periods do not provide full recovery, resulting in sleep deprivation. Studies suggest that it can take up to 10 days to adapt to a night time work schedule.

Fatigue is a message to the body to rest. It is not a problem if the person can and does rest. However, if rest is not possible, fatigue can increase until it becomes distressing and eventually debilitating. The symptoms of fatigue, both mental and physical, vary and depend on the person and his or her degree of overexertion. Some examples include:

• weariness
• sleepiness
• irritability
• reduced alertness, lack of concentration and memory
• lack of motivation
• increased susceptibility to illness
• depression
• headache
• giddiness
• loss of appetite and digestive problems

Isn’t this what we want .. healthcare professionals… at the end of their  “physical/mental rope” and involved in tasks that requires accurate attention to detail and striving to perform flawlessly.

Maybe this is why Senior RPH’s are being “shown the door” because they have gain enough wisdom over the years.. to slow down… when they become fatigued… because doing the job correctly is more important than doing it quickly.

After all .. there are THREE WAYS to do anything…

The RIGHT WAY

The WRONG WAY

OVER AGAIN..

Unfortunately, when we do things THE WRONG WAY… people can be harmed or killed…

BUT.. what the hell.. that is why we carry professional liability insurance — RIGHT ?

FULL STEAM AHEAD !

Filed under: General Problems