Nurse stations are vital hubs in hospitals where healthcare professionals collaborate, plan, and coordinate patient care. Designing these spaces with functionality, efficiency, and comfort in mind is essential to support the demanding and critical work of nurses. By selecting appropriate furniture and optimizing the interior design, healthcare facilities can create nurse stations that promote productivity, communication, and well-being.
Creating Spaces That Heal is an ongoing series that spotlights trending furniture and interior design in healthcare spaces. Discover how to design and select furniture for nurse stations to create a supportive and functional environment in this blog.
Multifunctional Workspaces
The daily work of a nurse or caregiver requires switching between administrative tasks, patient care, and information sharing. To fully support the various responsibilities of caregivers, nurse stations should be multifunctional, designed to facilitate collaboration and communication, while also providing dedicated space for focused work and maintaining patient confidentiality.
Modular workspace systems that allow for easy reconfiguration can adapt to the different collaboration needs of caregivers. Herman Miller’s Ethospace Nurses Station is a complete system of steel frames, interchangeable tiles, and worksurfaces that can be reconfigured to provide flexibility for changing workplace needs and a refreshed look to healthcare spaces. Technology cables and wires sit between the frames and tiles to keep worksurfaces clutter free.
The Commend Nurses Station by Herman Miller combines modular workstation design with the timeless appeal of millwork. Its prefabricated panels and frames mimic the beauty of millwork while offering shorter lead times and faster installations. The modular nature of Commend makes the system completely customizable to fit the unique workspace demands of a nurse station.
Supportive Seating
Nurse stations require furniture that prioritizes ergonomics and functionality to support the demanding work environment. Seating options that are ergonomically designed and height-adjustable help reduce strain on the body, enhancing the comfort and productivity of nurses during long shifts.
Carolina’s Zonal chair was designed after studying body movement and how people change postures during the day. Besides featuring a seat back that flexes with the user as they move, Zonal provides adjustable lumbar support, seat depth movement, and pivoting arms. This chair is incredibly functional for its user, making it a perfect seating solution in nurse stations.
The Aeron Chair by Herman Miller is a classic task chair, well-known for the ergonomic support it provides its users. Designed for a wide range of body types, the Aeron chair is available in three sizes and can be customized to include additional ergonomic features. Thoughtful seating options create a comfortable environment for caregivers that can help prevent burnout and promote wellbeing.
Efficient Storage Solutions
Efficient storage is crucial in nurse stations to ensure quick access to important documents, supplies, and equipment. Well-organized storage solutions contribute to streamlined workflows and efficient patient care.
Consider using modular casework as a built-in storage option. Herman Miller’s Mora System is a wall-mounted casework solution that can be customized with a variety of configurations, finishes, and laminates, making it able to fit into any space. Its clean aesthetic lets caregivers quickly locate and access important items and store lesser used items.
A more flexible storage solution, Herman Miller’s Procedure and Supply Carts are mobile storage carts with interchangeable drawers, shelves, and accessories. The freedom of mobile storage facilitates easy retrieval of necessary items and makes switching between work tasks more efficient.
Tech Integration
Nurse stations are reliant on technology for documentation, communication, and accessing patient information. When selecting workstations for nurses and other caregivers, seek options that integrate technology seamlessly. Additionally, consider adjustable monitor arms or mounting systems to optimize visibility and reduce strain on the neck and eyes.
The Flo Monitor Arm by Herman Miller offers dynamic movement of monitors with minimal effort. Loosening, tightening, and constant adjustments are not required with the Flo monitor arm, and the wide range of motion enables monitor placement that supports the needs of any caregiver. This tech accessory is an excellent choice in nurse stations as it supports collaboration with its ability to move and pivot to share the screen with others.
By carefully considering furniture selections, layout optimization, and incorporating ergonomic elements, healthcare facilities can create nurse stations that enhance collaboration, efficiency, and overall wellbeing. A thoughtfully designed hub for nurses and other caregivers can contribute to improved patient care and a more positive working environment.
Looking to empower nurses to provide the highest quality care and support their wellbeing? The Experts at Work at Creative Business Interiors are well equipped with resources and furniture solutions that can transform nurse stations into thriving environments that give care to your caregivers.