Hazards, Risks, and Problems w/ Nursing

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Not to be negative or anything, but as a nursing student, I'm interested in the usually understated and ignored problems that nurses face on daily basis. Let's be realistic and not idealistic

1) What are the health risks in the profession, and how could you prevent them?

-I've heard horror stories about patient assaults and know a person that was infected with an incurable disease working as a nurse.

-Also, back pain and harsh chemicals.

-Does wearing 3 layers of gloves prevent you from sticking yourself in addition to precaution?

2) What are the problems that nurses face, and how would they be dealt with?

- I heard patients can be troublesome

-Degradation from doctors

-Horrible politics

If you could share general knowledge or specific stories, it would be great!

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Is this for an assignment? Heh heh. Stress, to me, is the biggest deal. You have too much to do, not enough time to do it, much of it has to be done within a certain window of time, and someone's care, and possibly even their life, depends upon you doing it correctly. Stress leads to physical disease, mental health issue and substance abuse.

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If you've heard a horror story about it, it's a hazard, risk and/or problem with nursing--but every profession has those. I agree that stress is probably a leader--but stress is caused by all of those other hazards, risks and problems...

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Specializes in geriatrics/long term care.
Is this for an assignment? Heh heh. Stress, to me, is the biggest deal. You have too much to do, not enough time to do it, much of it has to be done within a certain window of time, and someone's care, and possibly even their life, depends upon you doing it correctly. Stress leads to physical disease, mental health issue and substance abuse.
:crying2:

In a nutshell, that covers it. I mean, what is your experience in nursing? I have been a nurse since 19(started as a CNA, LPN at 24, RN at 33). I have never been injured at work, and i have never had a work related infection(I also don't work psych-that's where i feel you have the largest risk of assault). Yes, i worry about those things, but, in general, if you observe good nursing practice and universal precautions, you have a much better chance of avoiding such ugly complications. :cool:

Practicing the right way to do the procedure will serve you better than 8 pair of gloves. If you consistently point the needle away from others, keep a sharps box nearby, and RESPECT the needle, it will be better for you than if you run way up the hall carrying a sharp that's tucked into your pocket, pressed against your body with no needle gaurd:eek:

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

In 32+ years I have never been seriously hurt by a patient, nor have I contracted any illness from them. Sure,I've been bitten by a few kids, and kicked by a laboring woman in extreme pain. I've even been threatened by a teenage gang member who bit a huge hole in his tongue and had his mouth full of blood. Sick and injured people often lose their inhibitions when under extreme stress. Still, I think I'd rather work as a nurse than work at the post office.:uhoh3:

As far as work related hazards, teh main hazards that I have encountered were sleep deprivation from working shift work, foot and leg problems from being on my feet for hours, and low back pain. I never injured my back, but I'm sure that the foot and leg issues have contributed to the back pain because my gait has changed. I am no longer able to work 12-hour shifts and I will probably never again work in a hospital. I dont' hate it, but I like have more autonomy. I"m a school nurse in a little elementary school. My job is delightful! Also low stress and occasionally challenging. I have non-nursing bosses, but they recognize my expertise and are thrilled to have me. If I ever leave this job I will most likely go to home health for the same reason--less stress, more autonomy.

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Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.

The most important ways to protect yourself from work-related injuries/illnesses/diseases:

1. HANDWASHING

2. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

3. Always use syringes that have self retracting needles, or covers that slide over the barrel of the syringe to cover the needle.

4. ALWAYS wipe up spills on floors: After a successful cardiac rescusitation in the PACU one evening, I slipped on defibrillator paddle gel. My co-workers laughed when they saw me fall; I ended up with tendonitis and a bad sprain of the wrist of my dominant hand..ouch! :crying2:

5. Never compromise good body mechanics; keep stretchers and beds at a level that will not stress your back..you only have one, and once you injure it, rehab takes time, the pain associated with it is not pretty, and dealing with workmens comp insurance is horrendous!

6. Keep electrical cords out of harm's way, and make certain they are not laying on the floor in a puddle of water or IV fluid. One night a cardiologist tripped over an electrical cord; ended up in the OR for a fx humerus!

7. Make certain your childhood immunizations are up to date (usually this is part of a pre-employment physical).

You never know when you may have to care for someone with Herpes Zoster, measles, or chickenpox! Keep current on your tetorifice booster!

8. There never seems to be enough hours in a shift to get your work done; always enlist help when the task requires it. It is the one time that you don't that you may very well injure yourself. Fatigue plays a big part in work-related injuries!

9. If you have been injured OTJ, i.e., muscle sprain, always, always, always complete a worker's injury report..don't downplay it. You may feel OK initially, but waking up the next morning may be oh sooooooo painful!! Usually, injuries sustained OTJ must be reported within 24 hours; check your facility's policy.

I was once a member of a hospital wide safety committee...can you tell?? :twocents:

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Thank you all for these wonderful posts.

I'll always keep them in mind!

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