Safety in the Workplace You might be surprised by how many injuries happen each year to hospital employees, and nurses are right there among the injuries. Top 5 Injuries for Nurses 1. You probably guessed, the number one accident that more nurses have when working is back injuries. There are so many ways that a back can sustain an injury and nurses are ideal candidates because of the type of work they are doing. Lifting and moving patients are at the top of how most injuries happen. Every nurse wants to help their patient to move, or stand. The problem is, if the patient is heavy, the person providing help can be injured, even if they are following proper protocol of lifting. The next culprit of back injuries is falling. Nurses are often summoned room to room, and when is a call to a room not an emergency? So, running or even walking super fast can make for a fall just waiting to happen. Then of course there are supplies that must be handled. You would never guess paper gowns could weigh so much? Packing those paper gowns in a condensed way in a box can make for a very heavy container, one that you are expected to carry. You often know when a back injury happens, however not always. When you have an injury, it can stop you right away, you need your back to function. So, what can you do? First, slow down. Running on polished hospital floors can be like running on ice. Next, ask for assistance when lifting patients or helping them move. It may take a minute more, but if it saves your back, it's worth it. Last of all, use equipment, such as hand trucks to carry heavy supplies save your back for more important things. Related: How to Handle Your Anxiety on the Job 2.
Accidental Needle Sticks, it has happened, and probably will happen again. Needles have come a long way in technology; most are now designed in a way that minimizes the chance of an accidental poke. The best way to ensure this does not happen to you is, slow down. A matter of seconds more is all it takes to practice safety rules and to make sure you do not injure yourself with a used needle. Wear recommended protective gear, and attend any and all safety refresher classes, you never know when you will hear a beneficial tip to help protect you.
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Don’t share personal information with patients. It's not unusual for patients to develop a crush so to speak with their nurse. This is usually harmless and is dismissed right along with the patient being dismissed from the hospital. On the other hand, you never know if you are treating a patient that has no problem crossing boundary lines and literally developing an obsession. Keep your personal life personal, and keep the patient – nurse relationship just that, patient and nurse.
Related: Family Interactions of Terminal Patients 4.
Stay safe when arriving and leaving work. Many facilities have employee parking that is well lit, accessible, and protected by security guards. The problem is, many is not all? Some may involve you parking on a dark street away from the hospital. You may not be able to change where you park, but there are safety procedures you can follow. Walk out with coworkers that are parked close to you, or better yet, ask security to escort you to your vehicle. If security is not available, a couple other employees could walk you to your car; it's much less likely that two or more people would be in danger.
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You might be surprised at how many nurses actually run into one another causing injury. When in a hurry, rounding the many corners in the hospital, just slow down, and swing out away from the wall. That would give you and anyone coming directly at you, a chance to avoid a physical encounter, the kind no one wants.
Practicing some safety guidelines can help keep the workplace a much better place to be. Remember your role. You are the nurse, and not the patient, so stay safe. Related: Leading Registered Nurse, Linda K. Tilley, RN, will be Announced in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, Twitter