Nurse Safety – What are the Risks? Every occupation has some form of a risk attached, and nursing is no different. Though minimal, there are some risks associated with the nursing profession. Workplace Risks Accidental needle sticks are the number one concern of many in the health care industry, although this is now a rare occurrence. Needles have been redesigned in such a manner that it is not likely this will happen. That being said, in previous years, this was an issue. In 199l there were a record number of accidental pokes by nurses, nationwide. This sent up red flags within the medical community and helped to prompt new designs for injection procedures. Since that time, the accidental sticks of nurses related to patient injections are down 90%. At the time that needle sticks were at an all-time high, the big fear in every community was AIDS, however Hepatitis was not only more common, but in fact much easier to contract. -
Back Injuries are not uncommon for nurses. A number of factors come into play in regards to back pain; nursing is a very physical job as well as demanding. Positioning patients, moving patients, helping patients to stand and walk, can all take a toll on the back. Nurses receive extensive training on avoiding back injuries, however every situation and patient are different, and sometimes the unexpected happens, causing a back injury. Even gathering supplies can often take a toll on the back, a case of gloves combined with a case of surgical masks can weigh more than you might think. Of course, nurses are often in a hurry to assist a patient, which can lead to falls. All of the possible back injuries, combined with the fact that many nurses, work long 12 hour shifts, there simply is no way to avoid all possible injuries to the back.
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Workplace violence is a problem that is often overlooked. Nurses are the first contact for emergency room patients, and nurses are the consistent contact of those patients that are admitted for care. On occasion, patients that are brought into the emergency room may have substance abuse problems, and not be thinking with a clear mind. They may react in a violent way, and lash out at the first person they encounter, which is often a nurse. Once admitted a