What are the top sources of injuries for registered nurses?

It takes commitment to become a registered nurse. Those who want to provide medical support to others must complete an undergraduate degree and pass a state-issued test. They also have to meet the licensing requirements established by state authorities.

After that, they can accept positions at hospitals and other medical facilities. Nurses spend their careers assisting others with their medical challenges. Their efforts may eventually lead to medical challenges of their own. Nurses, often especially those who work in hospitals, have a higher risk of injury than many other educated professionals. The following types of injuries are most common among those working as registered nurses.

Overexertion injuries

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number one cause of nurses’ injuries on the job is overexertion which causes an intense bodily reaction. Attempting to lift heavy patients and otherwise straining the human body can lead to damage to the musculoskeletal system. Workers may need time off to heal or may require physical therapy or even surgery to recover from injuries related to overexertion.

Slips, trips and falls

Nurses often rush from one space to another. They can very easily lose their traction and slip, especially if they encounter a spill somewhere in the hospital. A same-level fall in a hospital could lead to broken bones, soft tissue injuries or possibly even brain injuries.

Violence from patients

People receiving care in medical facilities could become violent for a variety of reasons. Some people require medical support because of intoxication or mental illness. They may be volatile to begin with and could lash out at medical professionals. Other times, people require medical care because they get hurt while in prison or during an arrest. They may become violent in their attempts to flee. Those experiencing dementia caused by age or adverse reactions to medications could become violent when they are usually reasonable people.

Accidental contact with objects

The final major cause of injury for nurses involves coming into contact with needles, artificial external defibrillators and other dangerous medical equipment. Accidental contact can lead to illness or traumatic injury that forces a leave of absence and might leave someone unable to work.

Workers’ compensation benefits can make a major difference for those coping with a medical issue related to their healthcare employment. Nurses and other medical professionals sometimes require workers’ compensation when they get hurt while caring for others.