Many view nursing as a vocation. It typically involves long hours for low pay and giving of yourself in a way that few are motivated to do.
You probably knew that when you entered the profession. What you might not have realized is just how dangerous it can be. U.S. Department of Labor statistics for 2020 found that 8.2 % of nursing assistants and 6.7% of nursing assistants had claimed worker’s compensation that year. That’s first and second place in rankings for claims per person employed per industry.
What makes nursing so dangerous?
It’s a combination of factors, including:
Sharps
Hospitals use a lot of needles and sharp instruments and some patients come in with dirty needles in their pockets. Accidental contact can cause infection and wounds.
It’s back-breaking work
Nursing involves a lot of bending and lifting and where patients are concerned, it’s not always possible to get the ideal position. Lower back injuries can occur and can be incredibly difficult to get rid of, as there is always more bending and lifting to be done.
People can become violent in hospitals
Patients may be emotionally unstable when they enter a hospital. Friday and Saturday nights typically see emergency rooms filled with people who are drunk or drugged and sometimes aggressive. It’s not unknown for fights to start as those involved in an incident find themselves together once more in the waiting room and nurses may get caught in the crossfire.
The job is unlikely to become safer anytime soon. If you wish to carry on helping people, make sure you understand how to claim worker’s compensation when you need it. It can help you get the rest and treatment you may need, ready to return to your vocation sooner if you wish.