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Potential health hazards of working as a nurse

On Behalf of | Aug 13, 2018 | Nurse And Healthcare Worker Injuries, Workers' Compensation |

Working as a nurse can bring great joy to your life, as you’re helping patients day after day. With so much time helping others, you may find it difficult to maintain a high level of personal health. Subsequently, you could find yourself dealing with an illness or injury at some point in the future.

According to Becker’s Hospital Review, United States hospitals record tens of thousands of injuries and illnesses every year.

As a nurse, it’s critical to understand potential health hazards. This can help you avoid an injury or illness that forces you to take time off. Here are some hazards to watch for:

  • Exposure to bloodborne pathogens. There is no way to completely prevent exposure, but there are steps you can take to remain safe. These include using exam gloves when necessary and partaking in proper hand washing techniques. From splashes to needle sticks, you must be cautious at all times.
  • Common injuries. Nurses are at risk to suffer from hundreds of common types of injuries. An example of this is a sprain or strain as the result of moving, lifting or pulling a patient or heavy object.
  • Flu and cold germs. It’s difficult enough to avoid flu and cold germs throughout the year, especially during the months when these are most prominent. This is even more so the case when you work in a hospital setting. There are many ways to protect yourself, such as by wearing an antiviral facemask and regularly washing your hands.
  • Hand washing concerns. There is no denying the fact that washing your hands can help prevent a variety of illnesses, such as the flu and cold. However, regular washing can also lead to skin irritation.

There is a lot to think about when working as a nurse, which makes it difficult to focus too much time and energy on your own personal health and well-being.

If you suffer an on the job injury, seek immediate medical attention to ensure that you know what you’re dealing with.

Once you do this, report the accident and injury to your employer and plan out the future. Depending on the injury or illness, you may not be able to return to work in the near future, thus calling for the need to file a workers’ compensation claim.

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