Nurses are the backbone of the medical industry in New Jersey. They provide care for patients, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances. Unfortunately, nurses are also at risk of being injured on the job. Thankfully, there are a few things that they can do to stay safe while providing vital care to patients.
Using the right equipment and gear
Nurses need to be properly equipped for their job in order to stay safe. This includes wearing the right clothing, using the proper safety gear and having the necessary equipment on hand. One of the most common nursing injuries, for instance, is back pain that results from lifting patients. To avoid this, nurses should use mechanical lifts or ask for help when lifting heavy patients.
Following safety protocols
Nurses are also at risk of being exposed to dangerous materials, such as blood or other bodily fluids. To protect themselves, nurses need to follow proper safety protocols when handling these materials. This includes wearing the proper protective gear and using the correct procedures when disposing of contaminated materials. Nurses should also be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid potential hazards, such as slippery floors or sharp objects.
Staying healthy and fit
Nurses need to take care of themselves in order to stay safe on the job and avoid workers’ compensation claims. This means getting good nutrition, getting enough rest and exercising regularly. Nurses should also avoid working long hours or night shifts, which can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of errors. Nurses who are tired are usually more likely to make mistakes or have accidents.
Reporting unsafe conditions
If nurses notice any unsafe conditions at their workplace, they should report them to their supervisor immediately. By doing so, they can help prevent accidents and injuries from happening.
Nurses play a vital role in the medical profession, but they cannot provide proper care for patients if they are not safe themselves. In addition to knowing how to prevent injuries, nurses should know their rights and file a workers’ compensation claim if they do get injured on the job.