The Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) reports that there are approximately 121,000 registered nurses in the Commonwealth. Nurses face certain health risks on the job. You may be wondering: What is the injury rate for registered nurses? The short answer is that it is somewhat higher than the national average for all professions. Here, our Virginia workers’ comp attorney provides a comprehensive overview of the workplace injury data for registered nurses (RNs).
Know the Data: Injury Rate for Nurses is Nearly 15 Percent Higher than National Average
According to data obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the workplace injury rate for registered nurses is 104.2 cases per 10,000 workers. For reference, the workplace injury rate for all occupations in the United States is 91.7 cases per 10,000 workers. In other words, the workplace injury rate for nurses is approximately 13.6 percent higher for RNs than it is for all employees.
Common Workplace Hazards Facing Nurses in Virginia
Why is the job injury rate for nurses higher than that of the average American profession? There are a number of different reasons. A major issue is the demanding nature of their work environment. RNs are frequently required to lift, move, and reposition patients. They are also in a high-stress atmosphere. Some of the most common hazards facing registered nurses in Virginia include:
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common job-related injuries for nurses. They can result from lifting patients or heavy equipment.
- Needlestick Injuries: Needlestick injuries are accidental punctures. They are a serious problem as they can lead to serious infections. Immediate medical attention is a must.
- Exposure to Infectious Diseases: By the nature of the job, RNs are often in close contact with patients and are at risk of contracting illnesses. Proper precautions are needed.
- Chemical Hazards: Handling medications and cleaning agents can expose nurses to harmful substances.
- Workplace Violence: Unfortunately, nurses may encounter verbal or physical abuse from patients or visitors. Hospitals must take proper care.
- Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards: Wet floors and obstacles can cause accidents. A slip, trip, or fall can lead to serious work-related injuries.
- Mental Health Issues: While the job of being a nurse can be very rewarding, it is stressful. The high workload can lead to burnout and impact overall well-being.
More Must Be Done to Protect Health and Safety of Registered Nurses
Registered nurses understand well that they face certain inherent workplace hazards. At the same time, many all believe that their employers—hospitals, health clinics, etc—are not doing enough. According to a peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Hospital Administration, more than half of nurses surveyed reported that their employer was not doing enough to protect their physical health and emotional well-being. It has been cited as a major factor in the high turnover rate in the nursing profession. All RNs deserve safe, fair working conditions.
Contact Our Richmond Workers’ Comp Lawyer for Nurses Today
At Injured Workers’ Law Firm, our Richmond workers’ compensation attorney has the professional expertise that you can trust. We get to work when you cannot. Reach out to us at (804) 755-7755 or contact us directly online to set up a confidential initial appointment. With a main office in Richmond, we handle workers’ comp claims for registered nurses throughout Virginia.