What Workplace Hazards Do Nurses Face On A Daily Basis?

In the event of the International Nurses Day, let us admire how brave and selfless nurses all over the world are. They are our most important line of defense against illness. They dedicate their lives to aiding the sick and the ailing. And sometimes this exposes them to grave dangers. But still, they carry on with their duties relentlessly, even if it means endangering their lives. Nurses are true superheroes.

Let us look at the many workplace hazards that nurses have to contend with-

The risks of the nursing profession

Many surveys have found that nursing is one of the most hazardous professions. It may surprise you but, this profession is almost as dangerous as firefighting, construction work or law enforcement because of the element of the unforeseeable such as the sudden outbreak of a disease and unavailability of protective gear.

So, here are some challenges that every nurse has to deal with-

• Physical stress - The stark reality is that nurses have to work long shifts that sometimes stretch to 12 hours. They have to be continuously on their feet, do the rounds, help patients sit up, carry them if necessary, administer medicines and injections, and see to all the patients’ needs. This amounts to immense physical strain. Backache and musculoskeletal pain and injuries are reported by many nurses.

• Overtime and burnout - Since there are never enough healthcare professionals, nurses almost always have to work overtime. Overtime once or twice a month is not harmful to health, but chronic overtime is dangerous. It can lead to extreme exhaustion when the body gives out. Burnout makes it impossible for the nurse to cope with daily necessities and tasks. It affects metabolism and changes a person’s eating habits. This can lead to

1. Malnutrition
2. Anorexia
3. Bulimia
4. Obesity
5. Anaemia

Burnout causes emotional stress as well-

1. Indifference towards people
2. Losing interest in the profession (in this case nursing)
3. Feeling numb and drained
4. Mood swings
5. Reduced productivity

• Working the ‘graveyard shift’ -Humans are by evolution diurnal creatures. Our body is not equipped to deal with staying up all night. Frequent nightshifts are mandatory for all nurses and this can wreak their circadian rhythm or body clock.

Since the circadian rhythm practically controls all the vital functions of the body, there will disruptions in the following-

1. Sleep-wake pattern
2. Heart rate
3. Oxygen absorption
4. Regulation of body temperature
5. Metabolism rate

• Stress and insomnia -The extreme demands of the nurses’ profession trigger stress, anxiety and depression. These psychological conditions have terrible repercussions on their lives and mental wellbeing. But anxiety and depression have a physical impact as well. It can trigger insomnia. Irregular work hours are another reason behind it. Insomnia can lead to-

1. High blood pressure
2. Poor immunity
3. Increased risk of heart diseases and diabetes

• Contagious diseases - The risk of infection is perpetual in the life of a nurse. Communicable diseases are deadly and an infection can pose as a threat to the life of the nurse. Nurses come in direct contact with infected people and their bodily fluids such as saliva, snot, blood etc. Communicable diseases can enter their systems both directly and indirectly (through objects touched by infected patients). Nurses are at a high risk of contracting-

1. Respiratory illnesses like coronavirus, SARS, MERS
2. Influenza
3. Hepatitis
4. Tuberculosis
5. HIV
6. Typhoid
7. Chickenpox
8. E-Coli
9. Measles

• Skin allergies - Nurses have to wear latex gloves and protective facemask every day. Prolonged usage and sensitive skin can trigger allergies and dermatitis.

• Exposure to hazardous substances - Nurses are exposed to toxic matter almost every day. Hospital waste that includes chemical and biological disposables and used syringes if not handled properly can be dangerous. Sterilizing and chemotherapy drugs and cleaning agents also pose a risk. Nurses working in the radiology department regularly come in contact with dangerous rays. Exceeding exposure limits can be catastrophic.

Without nurses, the healthcare system would fail completely. So it is the humanitarian duty of the authorities to ensure that they are getting the rest and protection they need to stay healthy. Nurses themselves should adopt a few measures like eating healthily, exercising and sleeping sufficiently to stay as fit as possible.