When an individual sustains a personal injury, they rely on medical professionals to administer treatment for their condition. The irony of this situation is that the very nurses who care for so many injuries become particularly susceptible to bodily damage in the course of their work.
Studies conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provide insight into the injuries and illnesses that are prevalent among registered nurses. If you or a loved one works as an RN, understanding the nature of the most common injuries for nurses can help prevent a bad situation from worsening.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Sprains, strains and tears that occur as a result of overexertion are all examples of musculoskeletal disorders. Exertion injuries to the trunk of the body are especially common for registered nurses in the 25-34 age range. Many of these injuries occur in the course of caring directly for patients.
Slip-and-Falls
Falls, slips and trips are common for registered nurses, likely due to the frequency of wet floors or spills that might occur in the healthcare setting. The fast-paced nature of facilities providing urgent care services can also be a factor in slip-and-falls. These types of injuries are most common among RNs aged 65 and older.
Data shows that younger nurses have a greater tendency to overexert themselves and suffer musculoskeletal disorders, while older RNs experience slip-and-fall injuries at a higher frequency. Many nurses accept these types of injuries as occupational hazards when they might often be sufficient grounds for filing a workers’ compensation claim.