Patient safety is the foundation of high-quality healthcare. Every year, Patient Safety Awareness Week, led by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), highlights the importance of preventing medical errors, improving communication, and fostering a culture of safety in healthcare settings.
WCU takes this commitment seriously by helping to equip our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students with the essential hard and soft skills needed to prioritize patient safety in every clinical encounter.
What is Patient Safety Awareness Week?
Patient Safety Awareness Week — an annual recognition event that occurs in March — is a dedicated time to focus on reducing preventable harm in healthcare. From medication safety to teamwork strategies, the week serves as a reminder that patient safety is a shared responsibility among healthcare professionals, educators, and students alike.
According to the IHI, improving patient safety requires a combination of:
- Strong communication and teamwork
- Evidence-based clinical practices
- A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks
WCU incorporates these principles into our BSN curriculum, helping to ensure students graduate with the confidence and expertise to provide safe, effective patient care.
How WCU’s BSN Program Enhances Patient Safety Skills
Communication & Teamwork: The Foundation of Safe Care
Clear, effective communication is essential in preventing errors and improving patient outcomes. Dr. Pamela Sandvig, Dean, Post-Licensure Nursing at WCU, emphasizes how communication and teamwork are integrated into our program:
“Patient safety is at the core of quality healthcare, and developing both interpersonal and technical competencies necessary to ensure it is a cornerstone of our BSN program. Through a focus on communication and teamwork, informed by evidence-based frameworks like TeamSTEPPS®, students learn how to collaborate effectively in complex clinical environments. These interpersonal skills are complemented by rigorous training in technical skills such as accurate assessment, safe medication administration, and the use of technology to reduce errors. Together, these competencies prepare our graduates to be leaders in fostering a culture of safety and excellence in patient care.”
Clinical Precision: Hard Skills That Save Lives
Beyond communication, technical competencies are critical in ensuring patient safety. WCU’s BSN students receive hands-on training in:
- Safe medication administration
- Patient assessments and early recognition of deterioration
- Electronic health records and clinical decision support tools
- Infection prevention and control measures
This training helps students develop clinical precision, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing patient outcomes.
Building a Culture of Safety
Patient safety is more than just following protocols — it’s about cultivating a mindset that prioritizes patient well-being at all times. Dr. Chiarina Piazza, Dean of the College of Nursing and California Program Director, shares:
“I hope our BSN students leave our program with a deep understanding that patient safety isn’t just about protocols — it’s about attitude and action. My goal is for them to develop the confidence to speak up in a team, the skill to catch potential errors, and the mindset to always prioritize safe, compassionate care. When communication and clinical precision come together, the impact on patient lives is extraordinary.”
Preparing Future Nurses to Lead in Patient Safety
Patient safety is an ongoing effort, and WCU is committed to preparing the next generation of nurses to meet this challenge. Through innovative training, evidence-based frameworks, and a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication, WCU’s BSN graduates can enter the workforce ready to make a difference in the lives of their patients.
In recognizing Patient Safety Awareness Week, WCU celebrates the dedication of our students, faculty, and healthcare professionals who work to create safer healthcare environments for all.
Interested in a career in nursing? Learn more about WCU’s BSN program — which is available in the Dallas area, Miami, and our three campuses in Southern California — and how WCU helps prepare students to become skilled, patient-focused nurses who prioritize safety and excellence in care.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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