As nurses, we may feel like we are too busy to continually consider our actions in terms of the environment or economic efficiency. While most of us are environmentally and fiscally aware, it is challenging to think in these terms while struggling to meet all of the built-in demands of our jobs. I believe that a few simple and practical steps can streamline our work and protect the environment, while maintaining appropriate levels of patient care and safety. Ok, here are my ideas on how we can all be a little greener at work …

First, nurses can model environmentally and fiscally sound behavior by participating in our facilities’ onsite “green” programs. For example, we can place used aluminum cans and water bottles in recycling bins, not trash cans. We can encourage peers and administrators to rely on reusable (cloth) gowns and scrubs instead of disposable items. Finally, we can avoid overloading biohazard containers with non-hazardous items. These practices not only enhance the environment; they can also improve a facility’s bottom line. Well-designed and soundly implemented technologies can enhance the efficiency and safety of health care delivery.  This increased efficiency can lead to reductions in waste, thus addressing both environmental and economic concerns.

Since my first clinical experience as a student nurse, I have been appalled by the amount of time wasted searching for items in each floor’s supply closet. I don’t think this problem is unique to any hospital. New doctors and nurses, floating and travel nurses, and medical students spend vital minutes locating and retrieving supplies from non-standardized closets. They are often forced to pull in the floor’s nursing staff to assist in their search. In addition to wasting time and energy, supplies are also wasted when incorrect items are inadvertently opened, or large packets of multiple sterile instruments are opened in order to retrieve one or two necessary tools.

The concept of “lean” technologies originated from within the auto industry. Lean management strategies focus on minimizing waste (of supplies, time, and effort). Lean methodologies typically include three general steps: 1) problem identification and goal setting, 2) implementation of strategic objectives aimed at reaching clearly identified goals, and 3) regularly scheduled evaluation, feedback and adjustment of objectives and goals.

In health care, lean methodology should include such concepts as avoidance of duplicated efforts (e.g., double documentation), enhanced communication (e.g., employing standardized hand-off communication sheets), efficient technology (e.g., computerized bar codes for patient and medicine identification), and standardization (as with the stocking of supply closets). Do you consider your facility to be green? Is it lean? How green are you? Share your tips with us.