SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A red light on the street may mean to stop. But a red light at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital means "Do Not Disturb."

A new initiative called ‘Red Lights for Safety’ helps nurses stay focused during critical tasks like preparing and administering medication. Hospital leaders say distractions can come from other nurses, staff or even a patient's loved one.

These distractions can lead to serious errors. The red lights are attached to a nurse's work station and when the nurse turns it on, that means do not interrupt them.

"If the nurse is interrupted during that process, things may not get labeled right; the patient may not get the right medicine. So, based on that and a lot of different studies — 'no interruption zones,' is really what it's all about," said Bonnie Seitz, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital patient safety officer.

This isn't mandatory, but it is encouraged. About half the nurses are currently using the red light at the children's hospital. The initiative has been underway for about a month.