Nursing is tough, let's face it. It’s common knowledge that nurses in all disciplines are overworked. They see countless patients and work extremely long hours. To many people, it seems that nurses do little more than dispense medication and give injections. In reality, nurse’s duties include long hours on their feet, all kinds of heavy lifting and lots of repetitive motion. It’s strenuous work that can lead to nursing injuries.
(According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
It appears that nurses really do have dangerous jobs. Educating yourself as to how to prevent injury should be of top priority. It is possible to have a fulfilling career in nursing and still avoid personal injury.
These are, not surprisingly, the top three nursing related injuries. Nursing involves lifting heavy people and equipment, and standing for hours at a time.
To avoid back or wrist injuries while lifting you should:
You should see your doctor if you feel any indication of problems with your back or limbs.
It can be very rewarding to help so many people in different ways; however, in doing so, nurses are exposed to many possible injuries. Patients with contagious illnesses, along with sharp and hazardous tools, are only some of the risks that nurses face. Because they are exposed to larger than average numbers of harmful bacteria, simple cuts and abrasions can easily become infected. Here are some tips to help you avoid cuts, burns and infections:
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Achieving your nursing degree and finding a nursing job is only the beginning of having a long and healthy career. More so with nursing than many other jobs, you must ensure that you take care of yourself as well as you take care of your patients!
Please share with us your nursing stories. Have you suffered any of these nursing injuries? How did it happen?
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