Workplace injuries are inevitable and commonplace. It is in every industry and workplace. Registered nurses (RNs) are especially prone to very delicate and precarious situations that put both the RNs and the patients in harm's way. If you think about a nurse's day or shift (which can be around 12 hours) and consider all the possible biologically harmful ways they can be exposed to potentially dangerous pathogens, it would add up to every couple of minutes.
Long strides have been made in the safety of patients and nurses. Nurses are exposed to lifting heavy boxes of IV bags, patients, IV insertions and exertions, administering harmful drugs and chemicals, contamination situations, and many more complex areas to be considered for nurse and patient safety. That's why every day, new innovative projects and products are being developed to help prevent or at least lower the percentages of workplace injuries.
It's All in the Data
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), they had this to say about the current situation of accidents that happen in the workplace. "Many of the approximately 3 million RNs across all industries face workplace hazards in performing their routine duties. RNs spend time walking, bending, stretching, and standing (exposing themselves to possible fatigue, as well as slips, trips, and falls); often lift and move patients (becoming vulnerable to back injuries); and come into contact with potentially harmful and hazardous substances, including drugs, diseases, radiation, accidental needle sticks, and chemicals used for cleaning (which can cause exposure-related injuries and illnesses). In 2016, workplace hazards for RNs resulted in 19,790 nonfatal injuries and illnesses that required at least one day away from work, at an incidence rate of 104.2 cases per 10,000 full-time workers (private industry)".
Innovative Ways for Nurses to Avoid Workplace Injuries
Personal protection equipment (PPE) is a general term used to describe items to help protect patients and healthcare workers. And ever since COVID-19 crossed the globe, there has been a true evolution and revolution towards innovative ways to help people better during these precarious situations. One of the most common injuries for nurses is needle sticks, and with vaccines rolling out, it is of utmost priority to lower the percentage of accidental needle sticks. One company developed a one-handed needle closure method to prevent, even using, a second hand for closing needles.
There are also special devices to help aid in non-contamination when it comes to CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and many other devices are being developed to help nurses but are all of them safe? One study showed that the excretions from a double-gloved situation were found to cause cancers, congenital disabilities, and skin irritations.
When it comes to PPE, it is a race and balance between safety, protection, and innovation. Even the general public can buy the PPE equipment wanted from amazon. They have some of the latest technologies available. There is considerable growth in wearables in nursing. These devices can transmit numerous data points to show and help improve what and where nurses need to focus more. One example is a wearable that lets nurses wash their hands before leaving every room. These devices can be used for other great detectors, such as exposures, fatigue, and news updates. The world of nursing protection and patient protection is ever-evolving and helping to keep more people healthy, and Nursa helps connect RNs with the latest and innovative assignments.
Job Application for Nurses to Find PRN Shifts
Nursa is a software application that can easily be installed onto any iPhone or Android device through the Google Play store or Apple store. Once the application is downloaded, a profile has to be filled out with uploaded certificates and up-to-date licenses. Once the profile is approved, nurses and allied health workers can look for PRN assignments anywhere they want. Nursa offers a unique way to explore a new city and only work when it fits their schedules. Since the shifts are being covered and would otherwise go unattended, hospitals and healthcare facilities are often willing to offer higher than national average prices. The best way to pick your next shift, when you want, and where you want to work Nursa will help you find the perfect PRN jobs.
