Nurses in New York face many challenges on the job. They perform very hard work to help people recover from ailments and injuries. Of course, with such a demanding job, nurses face certain hazards and health risks. If you’re a nurse, it’s important to understand those risks and how to protect yourself from them.
Myriad physical injuries
Workplace injuries are all too common among nurses. Unfortunately, when you’re performing such demanding work, you have a greater risk of suffering an injury. Whether you’re pushing patients around in wheelchairs or gurneys, moving equipment around, or reaching for something, it can put a strain on your body.
You can also experience trips or slip and fall accidents if the area isn’t completely dry and clean. You’re on your feet throughout your shift, racing from one patient to another, so you may not realize there’s a hazard in your way. It’s important to wear the right type of shoes to stay safer and avoid a fall. A good shoe with a rubber sole with good traction is ideal.
Infectious diseases
Part of the nature of your job is to care for sick patients. As a result, you will be dealing with people who may have a serious infectious disease. Some of those individuals may be more contagious than others. You must keep yourself safe. Wear personal protective equipment, or PPE, whenever necessary; get all your vaccinations, and always wear a mask.
If you accidentally prick yourself with a needle, you should handle the situation immediately. Report it as soon as possible and get tested for diseases.
Chemical hazards
You can also sustain an injury as a nurse while handling certain drugs. Chemotherapy drugs, for example, are considered chemical hazards. Be careful and take your time while handling these substances and use all and any safety precautions you’ve learned while working with them. You never know when an accident may occur, and if one does, it should be addressed immediately.
When you know how to properly react in these situations and take the right precautions, you’ll stay safer during your shift.