Final answer:
Staff nurses control healthcare costs by being aware of supply costs, questioning unnecessary tests, and practicing handwashing to prevent infections, which also reduces hospital stays and associated treatment costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Staff nurses can play an important role in controlling healthcare costs through several actions. Firstly, they can become aware of the cost of supplies and use them judiciously, ensuring that the most cost-effective resources are utilized.
Secondly, they can assist in monitoring patient care by questioning the need for unnecessary or repetitive tests, which can lead to significant savings. Importantly, they can also implement high standards of hand hygiene to prevent infections, a major cost driver in healthcare. Preventing infections not only reduces the length of hospital stays but also saves on the costs associated with treating hospital-acquired infections.