Registered nurses in California are some of the hardest working people in medicine, providing important and critical care for their communities. They are often the middle people between doctors and patients, communicating critical information and making sure that patients have the info and help they need to heal. One unfortunate downside to nursing is that the profession suffers a high level of occupational injuries and illnesses.
For nurses, everything from reaching for bedpans to lifting and moving patients can lead to injuries. They are also on the front lines with patients dealing with infectious diseases and viruses, increasing their own risk of exposure. Hospitals often deal with liquid spills, and with nurses running up and down the halls 24 hours a day, they’re at an increased risk of slips and falls.
When nurses are unable to perform their duties due to sickness or injuries sustained on the job, they are forced to miss work. Losing work means that patients could miss out on critical care, especially in areas or communities where there is a shortage of nursing staff.
The types of injuries suffered sometimes depends on the age of the nurse. Nurses over age 45 generally suffer more illnesses and on-the-job injuries than younger nurses. Nurses over the age of 65 tend to suffer the most critical injuries and illnesses. Overall, nurses tend to suffer more musculoskeletal injuries and disorders than people in other professions.
Nurses who suffer workplace injuries have a lot to handle. They have to make full recoveries so that they can do their jobs. Nurses who suffer workplace injuries may benefit by working with an attorney experienced in workers’ compensation law. Workers’ comp benefits could replace a portion of the nurse’s wages while they recover.