Nurses and hospital staff face serious injuries on the job

It’s unbelievable to many that nurses would struggle with injuries. Why? They’re in a medical setting, so it would only make sense that they’d receive the best care at all times.

Unfortunately, that notion is misguided. Nursing injuries are extremely common and can end a nurse’s career in the worst cases. Staffing injuries happen for many reasons, from dealing with patients who are aggressive to having to lift heavy individuals.

Can nurses get workers’ compensation?

Yes, fortunately, they can. Whether you hurt yourself lifting a patient or your injury is a conglomeration of years of labor, you can pursue a claim that will cover the cost of your medical needs along with providing you a portion of your lost wages.

What is one of the main causes of nursing injuries?

While there are many possible causes, one of the most common is patient handling. In recent years, hospitals and researchers have been focused on safe patient handling to reduce the likelihood of nursing injuries. In nursing, the consulting firm 1Source Safety and Health, Inc. stated that patient handling was the primary loss-producing source.

Hospitals are among the most dangerous places to work in America

While you’d think that working in a hospital is relatively safe, the opposite is true. On average, it was found that around 6.8 workers suffer work-related injuries per 100 full-time workers. That’s nearly double the rates in private industries.

The staff faces unique risks in a hospital. For example, hospital workers have to lift and reposition patients. They also may be exposed to illnesses and diseases that are contagious through needle sticks and violence. Ethically, the staff can do no harm to patients, so they may end up putting themselves in harm’s way to help patients get the care they need.

Additionally, nurses and staff members have to react when patients come in, sometimes with split-second decisions to help those needing emergency care. In those instances, there may be little time to go through standard protocol or to wait for additional help, which puts providers at risk of getting hurt.

What should you do if you’re hurt while working at a hospital?

If you’re hurt while working at the hospital, you have the same rights as other employees hurt on the job. Speak to your employer about making a workers’ compensation claim and getting the medical attention you need, so you can begin your recovery.

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