Course:SPPH381B/TermProject/The Red Solo Cup/Hazards of Working as an Occupational Nurse
Introduction
Occupational nurses are exposed to many hazards such as gases, drugs, sharp objects, infection, musculoskeletal problems, and stress and burnout[1]. 89% of nurses report having musculoskeletal pain, 43.3% report excessive fatigue, 53.4% report experiencing verbal abuse, 12.9% reported physical violence, and it is estimated that 600,000 to 800,000 needle-stick injuries occur each year in the health care setting, which exposes the individuals to blood-borne pathogens[2].
Stress
Work-related stress is a prominent issue among health care workers, and nurses specifically, this is a result of shift work, overtime work, limited decision-making abilities, and contact with accident victims and traumatic cases[1] [3]. Work-related stress is associated with cardiovascular disease, depressions, and musculoskeletal pain, as well as increased risk of sick leave, early retirement, and use of antidepressants[3]. Work-related stress is often hidden behind other diagnoses such as pain or mental symptoms as work-related stress does not qualify an individual for sick leave compensation[3]. Cognitive behavioral therapy, performed by a psychologist or trained therapist has been regarded as the most effective method to handle work-relates stress[3].
Violence
Violence directed at nurses involves verbal abuse, aggression, harassment, bullying, and physical violence and may come from various perpetrators[4]. Factors associated with higher prevalence of violence include quality of teamwork, uncertainty regarding patient’s treatments, young age, being a nurse’s aide, night work, and high time pressure[4]. Violence against nurses is increasing and the concern is that it is leading to higher burnout and more sick leaves among nurses, as well as affecting recruitment and retention of nurses[4].
Needle-stick injury
Many healthcare workers risk coming in contact with bodily fluids, blood, and tissue specimens, a common route of exposure of these is through needle-stick injuries, and may lead to the transmission of blood borne diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C[1].
Musculoskeletal injury
The most common musculoskeletal problems are in the lower back and knees, and common injuries also arise in the upper extremities, shoulder, and neck[5]. Health care workers are at risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders, and of health care workers, nurses have the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms[6].
Recognition
A survey by Souza of nurses reported that 93% or participants have experienced musculoskeletal symptoms in the past 12 months. Symptoms were reported in the lower back (45.8%), upper back (47.5%), and shoulder (37.2%)[6]. Nurses reported that pain in the lower back, upper back, and wrist and hands were the causes of their inability to perform and complete certain tasks[6]. Nurses are typically female and most work two jobs, as they earn low wages and need the secondary employment to supplement their family income[6]. Nurses who experience pain are at higher risk of fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression[6].
Evaluation
Nurses are at risk for occupational health hazards due to long working hours that involve repetitiveness, monotony, intensive and excessive work, physical effort, and awkward posture[6]. Back pain has been found to be caused by factors such as inadequate equipment, static postures, handling bedridden patients, high emotional strain, and insufficient staff[6][1][7]. A nurse’s daily tasks include manual lifting (58.14%), mobilizing equipment (44.19%), and transport of patients (41.86%) all of which have intense physical demands[6]. These tasks are also associated with time pressure by expectations to complete a certain number of tasks in a day or to complete a task in a constrained timeline[7].
Control
Nurses need certain standards and regulations to be put in place to lower musculoskeletal symptoms, as this will in turn lead to less days off work, which is favorable to their employers. Preventative methods may include early diagnosis, postural and ergonomic guidelines, use of lifting equipment, workplace policies, and organizational changes as well as exercise programs and lifestyle modifications for nursing personnel[6]. Mechanical aids such as hoists, belts, and sliding sheets for lifting and moving patients are actions that employers can incorporate to reduce musculoskeletal problems among nurses[8]. A shift in the health care culture by education about proper lifting techniques, and poor posture, as well as minimal unassisted patient lifting and moving practices can be beneficial for nurses[8].
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_protect/---protrav/---safework/documents/publication/wcms_192435.pdf
- ↑ Alavi, N. M. (2014). Occupational hazards in nursing. Nursing and midwifery studies, 3(3)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Kinnunen-Amoroso, M. (2011). Finnish occupational physicians’ and nurses’ experience of work related stress management: a qualitative study. Industrial health, 49(6), 774-778.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Estryn-Behar, M., Van Der Heijden, B., Camerino, D., Fry, C., Le Nezet, O., Conway, P. M., & Hasselhorn, H. M. (2008). Violence risks in nursing—results from the European ‘NEXT’Study. Occupational medicine, 58(2), 107-114
- ↑ Alavi, N. M. (2014). Occupational hazards in nursing. Nursing and midwifery studies, 3(3)
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 Souza, Ana Claudia, and Neusa MC Alexandre. "Musculoskeletal symptoms, work ability, and disability among nursing personnel." Workplace health & safety 60.8 (2012): 353-360
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Freimann, T., Coggon, D., Merisalu, E., Animägi, L., & Pääsuke, M. (2013). Risk factors for musculoskeletal pain amongst nurses in Estonia: a cross-sectional study. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 14(1), 334
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Smedley, J., Trevelyan, F., Inskip, H., Buckle, P., Cooper, C., & Coggon, D. (2003). Impact of ergonomic intervention on back pain among nurses. Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 117-123.