The front line of patient safety: staff nurses and rapid response team calls

In response to growing concerns about patient safety, many hospitals are implementing rapid response teams (RRTs). Although the staff nurse plays a critical role in recognizing the need for the RRT and initiating the call, little is known about actions of staff nurses in relation to the RRT.

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between nurse educational preparation, years of experience, degree of engagement, and the RRT call status (independent vs dependent). Nurse engagement was measured by the Manifestations of Early Recognition Scale.

A descriptive correlational design was used. The sample comprised 75 staff nurses at an academic medical center who cared for patients for whom the RRT was called. Educational level and nursing experience were independent predictors of call status, after controlling for effects of other independent variables.

Independent callers were almost 5 times more likely to have a BSN degree, and almost 4 times more likely to have more than 3 years of experience, than did RNs who called because someone asked them to call. High levels of engagement were also significantly associated with call status, but after controlling for educational level and nursing experience, the relationship was not significant.

This study has implications for clinicians and managers in health care facilities that rely on RRTs.