Wear and tear injuries are common in professions that involve continual movement and repetitive motions. For nurses, who are on their feet and hands-on with patients for an entire shift, these little everyday actions can add up quickly.
If you are a nurse and feel concerned about the trauma that your work may cause to your body, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
What specific wear and tear injuries are nurses most susceptible to?
As a nurse, you are most likely walking, bending over, lifting heavy loads and manipulating small items with your hands on a daily basis. These tasks can lead to a host of wear and tear injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, labral disorders and disc abnormalities.
Is there a way I can avoid these types of injuries?
You probably go to great lengths to keep yourself safe from the many hazards you face at work, but preventing wear and tear injuries is more difficult. You may be able to postpone the onset of an injury or lessen the severity by watching for early warning signs, resting when necessary and stretching often.
What should I do if I experience a job-related injury?
California’s workers’ compensation program is a no-fault system and often provides benefits to people who become injured while performing their job. Seek medical attention right away if you notice anything concerning that could indicate an injury.
When you provide care to sick and injured patients it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself, too.
