Nursing often overlooked as one of America’s most dangerous jobs

When you think of America’s most dangerous jobs, there are common occupations that may come to mind – coal miner, steel mill worker and construction worker to name a few. But the most dangerous job in many states across the country may surprise you.

Nursing is not often recognized as a dangerous career, but many nurses find themselves the target of daily physical and emotional abuse from patients and their families. A hospital may seem like the safest place to work, but it is in fact a hotspot for many on-the-job injuries.

Types Of Nursing Injuries

In one survey, 75 percent of nurses reported being physically or verbally abused by their patients and patient visitors. The study also notes that the majority of nurses are female, and the majority of violent incidents are caused by males who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

This is the primary form of injury nurses face, but there are several others that could occur: slip-and-fall accidents, repetitive stress injuries, needle sticks and serious illness are common in the health care field as well.

What Can Nurses Do About It?

While workers’ compensation is often associated with more blue-collar work, it’s an important source of relief for injured nurses. When you are injured on the job, no matter what the occupation, worker’s compensation exists to help pay for your recovery.

For those injuries caused by patients and visitors, nurses may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to claiming workers’ comp. When your accident is caused by a third party, you could have multiple paths to find relief.

Perhaps the biggest thing nurses can do is remain alert. While you do not want the fear of injury to impact your services, it is important to keep in mind the dangers of your occupation. Remaining vigilant could help you prevent a serious injury.