Return to Work for Nurses With Hand Dermatitis

Occupational skin disease is common in healthcare workers. If the healthcare worker develops moderate to severe dermatitis, return to work (RTW) may be challenging.

The study objectives were to review the impact of an RTW program on the work status of nurses with occupational hand dermatitis and to identify successful intervention methods and strategies.

Nurses who received RTW services at a tertiary occupational medicine clinic were identified, and information related to their diagnosis and RTW was abstracted from their charts.

Eighteen nurses with irritant hand dermatitis who received RTW services were identified. Twelve nurses (67%) were performing administrative duties because of their skin condition when admitted to the RTW program, and others were performing patient care with modifications. A graduated RTW trial was commonly implemented with optimized skin care management and monitoring by physicians and the RTW coordinator. Upon discharge, 14 nurses (78%) had returned to their nursing roles with direct patient care, 3 (17%) were working as nurses in non-patient care roles, and 1 (6%) was on permanent disability.

A graduated RTW trial to reduce cumulative irritant exposure is a crucial strategy to facilitate nurses' transition back to work and to maintain direct patient care nursing roles.