What is the maximum distance between the nurses station/dirty utility room and a resident's room?

The maximum distance between the nurses' station or dirty utility room and a resident's room is typically defined to ensure efficiency in care delivery and to maintain adequate supervision and response times for staff. A distance of 140 feet aligns with established standards in healthcare facility design, which aim to balance the need for accessibility and safety while allowing for efficient workflows.

In healthcare settings, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, the positioning of essential service areas like the nurses' station is crucial in assisting with timely patient care. If the distance were shorter than 140 feet, it could lead to a perception that staff are too close to patients, potentially compromising privacy and comfort. Conversely, longer distances can result in delays in responding to resident needs, which could negatively impact patient safety and care quality.

While other options of 100, 120, and 160 feet are common distances referenced in various guidelines, 140 feet is established as a distance that allows for effective communication and quick response times without being excessively far from resident rooms, thus making it the acceptable standard in this context.