In nursing profession, there are major issues and dilemmas that arise; such problems hinder nurses from delivering on their duties. Some of common problems that nurses faces in their daily practice includes long working hours, workplace hazards, inadequate staffing, workplace violence and poor compensation. Being exposed to workplace hazards is one of the worst risks that a nurse can face in his or her practice.
Workplace hazards mostly occur when nurses get exposed to infectious diseases, toxic substances, occupational injuries, radiation, blood pathogens, and hand washing-related dermatitis, cold and flu germ. According to a study, 5.6 million out of 12.2 million nurses are at risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens (Black, 2016). Additionally, nurses are said to be at a higher risk of suffering workplace injuries than most other profession including those working in industries. Nurses suffer injuries at the back, hands, shoulders, and feet. Typically the injuries are determined by the age of the worker and the environment in which they working in.
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Nurses undertake activities like lifting patients in bed, helping some out of bed, transferring patients and carrying equipment; this exposes them to occupational injuries. Moreover, research shows that nurses are more likely to suffer harm on their hands. It has been discovered that though nurses and medical professions might be practicing hygiene protocols they are more likely to suffer moderate or severe skin damage. This is because they are exposed to irritant contact dermatitis (Black, 2016).
In this case nursing research would be important to establish the workplace hazards in healthcare facilities. It would be necessary in formulating preventive measures that can be utilized in ensuring the nurses and other medical professions are safe at their workplace. For instance if the research found that the nurses are at risk of getting skin damage despite observing hygiene protocols, then the loopholes of the protocols can be examined. This will help making the practice safer. Nursing research would also be useful in providing guideline to educational processes and training that nurses go through (Parahoo, 2014). The new and updated research will include modern issues and problems that nurse are face.
References
Black, B. (2016). Professional Nursing-E-Book: Concepts & Challenges . Elsevier Health Sciences.
Parahoo, K. (2014). Nursing research: principles, process and issues . Palgrave Macmillan.
