News Releases
University of Maryland School of Nursing Assistant Dean Selected to American Nurses Association Advisory Committee
August 20, 2013
Baltimore, Md. – The University of Maryland School of Nursing is pleased to announce that Jeanne Geiger-Brown, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate professor and assistant dean of research, has been selected for the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Nurse Fatigue Professional Issues Panel ΜΆ Advisory Committee.
Studies show that there is a strong link between fatigue and accidents and errors. When one is tired, decision-making skills may decline, reaction times can be delayed, and problem-solving ability may become impaired. Fatigue is not only a safety issue, but is an ethical one as well.
The Advisory Committee will counsel the ANA on how to address nurse fatigue in order to improve health and safety. Nurses have a great responsibility in taking care of patients while working long hours and shiftwork. But nurses need to be able to take care of themselves in order to give their patients high-quality care, as fatigue can be both physically and emotionally draining.
“I am delighted to assist the ANA in considering the ongoing problem of nurse fatigue and its effect on accidents, injuries, and errors. I expect that this panel will help the ANA update their previous position statements on fatigue,” Geiger-Brown said. “I will contribute my own scientific findings to advise the ANA on nurses’ sleep, sleepiness, and fatigue, as well as interventions that can be used to mitigate fatigue in the workplace.”
Geiger-Brown is a nurse scientist whose research focuses on the intersection of occupational epidemiology, cognitive science, and sleep medicine. Her studies include work schedules and sleep deficiency, screening for sleep disorders in the workplace, and occupational interventions to reduce fatigue and improve sleep. Through her research, public awareness has been raised about fatigue among workers with shiftwork and extended work hours.
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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools, and is ranked eleventh nationally. Enrolling nearly 1,700 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.