What are the most common sources of nursing injuries?

When it comes to the healthcare system, nurses are essential. They work tirelessly to track the healing process and provide patients with comfort.

Long hours and stressful demands leave caretakers vulnerable. When a physical injury does occur, workers’ compensation benefits are there to help. Despite this safety net, it is better to avoid trauma altogether. Awareness of the top nursing dangers improves the odds of dodging harm.

Overexertion

Simple movements account for the majority of nurse-borne injuries. Nursing responsibilities often call for pushing, bending and lifting in awkward ways. The wrong move can result in a torn muscle, back strain, or nerve damage that puts a medical employee out.

Ergonomic consciousness helps solve the problem. Nurses should receive training on proper lifting techniques.

Falls

The second most commonplace source of harm is slipping or tripping. Healthcare facilities are mazes of complex instruments, often bearing long, twisting cords. It is also typical for wet floors to present a hazard.

Nurses should wear slip-resistant shoes to reduce the peril. Textured flooring is also helpful in fighting this battle.

Violence

Though less common, physical altercations happen in hospitals with alarming frequency. Patients are sometimes on powerful medication that causes them to act irrationally. Alternatively, occupational pressures may lead to conflict between coworkers.

One strategy for reducing such incidents is instituting a workplace violence prevention program. Another worthy practice is promptly and thoroughly investigating worrying incidents.

Registered nurses need education about the hazards they face every day. A bit of knowledge improves safety and leads to a happier workforce.