California nurses likely know that they are at a particularly high risk for injuries and illness. The following are just a few tips that nurses can consider in order to reduce the risk for these adverse events.
It all starts with good self-care and plenty of rest. Fatigue causes one to make mistakes and weakens the immune system. The same goes for poor diet and lack of exercise. Next, nurses should ensure that they received their flu vaccination. Influenza can easily be spread through coughing and sneezing, and the risk is highest in hospitals and medical centers. Other conditions they should be vaccinated for are hepatitis B and measles, mumps and rubella.
The number one way to avoid getting sick is to wash hands regularly. Also, nurses must wear gloves, gowns, eye protection and other personal protective equipment when appropriate. Many injuries among nurses involve needles and other sharp instruments, so safe handling is a must.
Nurses often injure themselves by lifting patients on their own, so they should speak up for help and step up to provide it for others. They should also use lift and transfer equipment, however time-consuming this may be when compared to manual lifting. Nurses must practice ergonomics and watch for slip, trip and fall hazards.
Many workplace injuries arise every year among nurses and other hospital workers. One thing about workers’ compensation benefits is that they can be paid out regardless of whether the one filing was to blame for his or her injuries. However, employers often deny payment. If this happens, the plaintiff would need to file an appeal. For help with their claim, victims may want to have an attorney at their side.