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A recent study from New York University (NYU) has found nurses who are newly licensed are most at risk for being injured by strains, sprains and needle sticks. Most alarming of all, nurses under the age of 30 were found to be most at risk for needle stick injuries. Needle stick injuries can transmit blood borne diseases such as hepatitis.
The NYU research team found longer hours and higher work loads were most responsible for the injuries. Lifting, moving and injecting patients with medications for long periods were likely to cause the injuries. Nurses with fewer than five years of experience are more likely to work 12-hour shifts and overtime, exposing them to more opportunities to be injured.
All injuries reported in the study can cause permanent health problems over time. For example, a 28-year-old sustaining a needle stick injury could have his or her life changed. Diseases such as hepatitis C can eventually cause serious health issues as liver damage progresses. People with the disease can have sore muscles, fatigue, jaundice and other debilitating symptoms.
The report also mentioned a high rate of musculoskeletal injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries can lead to periods of missed work. A nurse who has sustained multiple sprains in a short timeframe may suffer significant damage to his or her neck, back or limbs.
Are Injured Nurses Eligible For Workers’ Compensation?
With the risk of permanent or significant injury present, it is important for nurses and other health care workers to have options for compensation. Depending on the nature of an injury, it might be possible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Contacting a workers’ comp attorney can help make the process of applying less confusing so injured health care workers can return to their occupations sooner.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Lawyers