A latest study by the Cornell University shows that natural light is the 'best medicine' for nurses.
According to the research, nurses that get abundant natural light report low blood pressure, socialize more, and are happier and serve their patients considerably better than those who spend most of their time under artificial light.
"The increase in positive sociability, as measured by the occurrence of frequent laughter, was ... significant," lead researcher Rana Zadeh, assistant professor of design and environmental analysis at Cornell University, said in a press release.
Past researches have shown that natural daylight and spending more in quality lighting design in hospitals and nursing areas can enhance the alertness and mood of nurses. According to the study results, maximum light exposure prevents fatigue, mood and attentiveness in nurses.
"Nurses save lives and deal with complications every day. It can be a very intense and stressful work environment, which is why humor and a good mood are integral to the nursing profession," Zadeh said. "As a nurse, it's an art to keep your smile - which helps ensure an excellent connection to patients. A smart and affordable way to bring positive mood - and laughter - into the workplace, is designing the right workspace for it," she added.
The researchers stated that physical environment should be designed to support a high-performing and healthy clinical staff, improving the physiological and psychological wellbeing of healthcare staff. Designing the right workspace can directly benefit the organization's outcomes.
The findings are published in the journal Health Environments Research and Design.
