Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. Every day, nurses across Pennsylvania help treat thousands of patients.
As they spend so much time helping others, the injury risks that nurses face are often overlooked. Here are some of the more common occupational hazards that nurses have to deal with.
Violence
Unfortunately, attacks on nurses seem to be increasing. Around 25% of nurses have reported being physically assaulted at some point in their career. Physical assaults can result in serious injuries. On top of that, nurses who have been attacked can suffer from psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Musculoskeletal injuries
Nursing is a physically taxing profession. It involves getting from one part of the hospital to another very quickly, assisting patients in and out of bed, administering treatment, operating heavy equipment, and much more. All of this takes its toll on the body. Musculoskeletal conditions are often seen in nurses who have been in the profession for a considerable period. These include injuries like shoulder and knee problems, as well as common conditions like back pain.
Slips, trips and falls
As mentioned, nurses often have to move around the hospital quickly. This is especially the case for trauma nurses in the emergency room. The difference between a patient making it and not making it is often a few seconds, so nurses take efficiency very seriously.
The downside of this is that it poses a risk to nurses themselves. It only takes one spillage or obstacle in the hallways for a fall to occur and severely injure a nurse.
If you’ve been injured on the job, then you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation. To find out more about your options, it is wise to seek legal guidance from a certified specialist workers’ compensation attorney in Pennsylvania.