If you are new in the nursing profession, it doesn’t take long for you to realize that there are many ways that you can become injured at work. Some of these injuries could be minor, but some could be career ending. In the first part of this series, we identified the top 6 most common injuries in the nursing profession so you can be aware of the potential dangers at work. Check out the video below for part 2 in the series, Top 6 Most Common Injuries In The Nursing Profession: How To Avoid Them.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICi_OJ5iIvs]

I hope this video helped show different ways you can avoid some of the common injuries that occur in the nursing profession. Here are the 6 Most Common Injuries In The Nursing Profession again: How to avoid them, once again.

1. Musculoskeletal – Wrist, back, and ankle sprains/strains

• Don’t work so much!! Fatigue is a big contributor to injury. When you’re tired, you make mistakes.
• Remember to use proper body mechanics no matter what the size of the patient is.
• Wear good, high quality, supportive footwear. It’s not what your shoes look like that’s important. I recommend going to a store that can pick out the correct shoes for you.
• Don’t be a hero! If you are in a situation with a violent or combative patient call for help either from a co-worker or security.
• Stay in good shape! Many nurses are out of shape which increases your risk for injury. Concentrate on good core strength and maintaining a healthy weight.

2.  Needlesticks and sharps

• Act as if every patient has a communicable disease.
• Use safety devices as they were intended, like needleless syringes or needle safety devices so you don’t recap your needles.
• Cover any open wounds on your hands by using Dermabond, benzoin and an opsite, or at the very least a band-aid.

3.  Hazardous Drug exposure/Chemical Exposure

• If you are dealing with a drug or chemical you are not familiar with, look it up or ask questions.
• Be aware of the risks these drugs or chemicals have and if they should be handled by someone with more experience.

4.  Radiation

• Wear protective lead skirt/apron/thyroid collar, and glasses when necessary.
• Stay out of the direct path of radiation when at all possible.
• When in doubt ask the radiologist or radiology technicians questions. They are great resources.

5. Infectious Disease

• Wear appropriate protective clothing, masks, and gloves when appropriate.
• Treat all patients as if they have a communicable disease while using sharps or handling body fluid.

   If you’re looking for part 1 of the series, click here.

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