Re-finding the ‘human side’ of human factors in nursing: Helping student nurses to combine person-centred care with the rigours of patient safety

SummaryIn this paper the authors explore the centrality of both patient safety and person-centred care when preparing student nurses for their role. By examining these two goals against the understanding of human factors, the concept of risk and the interpersonal elements of patient centred, compassionate care, the authors identify the challenges that nurse educators must recognise in preparing the nurses of the future who must achieve both. The authors introduce the notion of human factors and their role in promoting safe environments. Thereafter the authors explore the development of the student nurse in coming to understand that optimal patient care must primarily be safe but must also have the wishes of individual patients at its core. Finally the authors raise the challenge for nurse educators of supporting students' growing understanding of safety, risk and how these must be balanced with individual needs and wishes.