Working as a nurse in North Carolina is a rewarding career, but it also comes with its challenges, sometimes life-threatening or life-changing issues. Take a look at some of the common nursing injuries and what you can do about them.
Common nursing injuries
• Slips and falls – If the floor is wet or there are obstacles in the way, nurses are likely to slip or fall when attending to their duties. The floors in medical institutions are susceptible to slip hazards, such as body fluids, ice, water, gels, etc., which can cause serious injuries in case someone falls.
• Overextension or repetitive strain injuries – Nurses are at a high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders, particularly on their spinal discs, cartilages, joints, tenders, nerves, and muscles. The frequent motions of bending, carrying, twisting, turning, lifting, and pushing are the primary causes of this type of injury.
• Equipment injury – One of the riskiest nursing injuries is accidentally stabbing yourself with an infected sharp object like a needle, a scalpel, broken glass, or any other sharp object. Such accidents expose you to diseases like Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and HIV.
• Violence – As a nurse, you are also subject to violence. For instance, a patient receiving care might get violent with you. Someone with no relationship with the facility can hit you, or another employee might assault you.
• Exposure to harmful environments and substances – You will be working with various compounds that could risk your life or health, such as cleaning chemicals, medicines, latex, and volatile organic compounds.
How the law may help
According to North Carolina state law, any nurse who gets injured while working or due to their occupation is entitled to receive workers’ compensation. When you qualify for workers’ compensation, the benefits you receive may help you cover income lost when disabled, pay your medical bills and replace lost wages brought about by the injury.
If you are unfamiliar with how you can get this recompense for your injuries, consider working with an attorney to guide you through the process. Don’t suffer in silence when North Carolina’s laws are on your side.
