Occupational Hazards Of The Nursing Profession Essay

In every field of work, there are a number of occupational hazards that put every individual at risk of harm. In a field where the main objective is to help others become well, these numbers can run exceptionally high. Regardless of the type of facility a nurse may work at, the risks remain prevalent. Many companies--or industries--set forth strict guidelines to be followed to help reduce the risks many people face on a daily basis. When most people think of hazards in the nursing profession, they think of accidental needle sticks, psychological distress, and contracting infectious diseases but, sleep deprivation, back injuries, and physical and verbal abuse all come with the territory. â€Å"Bureau of Labor Statistics figures show registered nurses (RNs) ranked fifth of all occupations in 2010 in the number of work days missed due to occupational injuries or illnesses† (American Nurses Association, 2011, p.1) Many risks are faced every day, in an effort to make others feel be tter and able to live happier, healthier lives. Many recommendations have been suggested by the American Nurses Association to cut down some of the negative effects of overworked nurses, including; sleeping 7-9 hours within a 24-hour period, resting before a shift, being aware of the side effects of medications that can make you drowsy, and taking all scheduled meals and breaks. (Cropley, 2015, p.5) Fatigue not only impacts the patient population, but can impact the quality of life of the nurse and canShow MoreRelatedImpact Of Nursing Professionals On The Workplace904 Words   |  4 PagesImpacts on Nursing Professionals Health in the Workplace Nursing is a physically and psychologically demanding profession that can lead to injury and accidents in the workplace. Some of these injuries result in worker compensation claims due to the disabling nature of the injury. â€Å"Overexertion injuries cost America $13.6 billion in 2010 (nominal) compared to $10.0 billion in 1998 despite much research on safer handling practices during this period† (Marucci-Wellman et al., 2015, p. 57) Nurses canRead MoreThe Issues Of The Nursing Profession1693 Words   |  7 Pages 5/4/2016 The issues of the nursing profession have been inflating across the country, and require immediate solutions to stem this growing tide. 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