NURSE RELATED WORK

INJURIESBy: Taylor Jarvis and

Laura Lovett

Nurse related injuries are very commonly

seen. The nursing profession suffers the

number two position for number of nonfatal

work-related injuries in the United States

Nursing experiences the most injuries

related to musculoskeletal disorders

(professional safeguard resources 2013).

These musculoskeletal injuries affect the

back, shoulders, knees, wrists, neck, and

ankles.

Other injuries may affect the skin,

particularly of the hands and fingers

In addition another area injuries may affect

is the psychological system

Musculoskeletal injuries include areas of the

back, shoulders, necks, and wrists.

These injuries can be due to either patient

handling, such as lifting and transferring

patients or due to repetitive movements, such

as making beds, bringing items to patients

and pushing patients in trolley or wheelchairs.

MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES

The average cost for patient handling injuries is

$6,710 per injury, and average days lost from work

is 25 days

Average cost for repetitive movement injuries is

$4,013 per injury, and average days lost from work

is 16 days

WAYS TO PREVENT…

-Pt handling Injuries:• Mechanical lifting aids

• Assistance from another staff member

• “No lift” policies

• Job rotation

• Follow weight lifting limits: Males 51lbs, females 46lbs

WAYS TO PREVENT…

Repetitive movement injuries: Ensure trolleys and wheelchairs are well-

maintained

Obtain assistance from other staff

Select correct wheel designs for floor type

Another area affected to work related

injuries for nurses are from falls or slips

usually effecting the knees and ankles,

caused by

Poor ground surfaces such as

Wet floors

Tripping over objects on the floor

Assisting clients to and from bathrooms

FALLS AND SLIPS

Average cost for each injury: $5,420

Average days lost from work: 21 days

WAYS TO PREVENT..

Falling and Slipping:

Ensure spillages are immediately mopped up

Use Caution signs

Ensure good housekeeping so that walkways are

clear of obstacles

Use a lifter in wet areas

Another area affected from work related

injuries for nursing are from needle

sticks/punctures, usually involving the

hands and fingers, these can occur when:

Administering injections

Cleaning sharp instruments

NEEDLE STICKS AND PUNCTURES

Average cost per injury: $362

Average days lost from work: 1 day

WAYS TO PREVENT..

Needle Sticks and punctures

Adhere to protocols for administering injections

Use syringes with retractable needles

Machine controlled instrument cleaning

The last area that is affected from work

related injuries for nurses, that is

overlooked a lot is Psychological/mental

such as anxiety, depression, and work-

related stress caused by occupational

stressors and pressures

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS FOR

PSYCHOLOGICAL/MENTAL INJURIES

Lengthy shifts

Fatigue due to standing for long periods

Increased work demand due to inadequate staffing

Increased patient loads due to increased life spans

Inadequate enforcement of weight handling procedures

Lack of education on use of biomechanics during lifting,

moving, supporting, turning, and transporting patients

WAYS TO PREVENT..

Psychological/Mental injuries

Finding relaxing techniques to help manage

stressors, this can be done by:

enhancing organization

asking for assistance when needed

answering to their own needs when necessary

FUN FACTS

Researchers found that almost 20 percent of the nurses

questioned had symptoms of depression, an incidence

twice as high as for the general population.

“the risks of a patient fall or medication mistake

increased significantly- by about 20 percent- the more a

nurse was in pain or depressed” (2013)

By: Laura Lovett and Taylor Jarvis

REFERENCE PAGE