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Health hazards of nursing: identifying workplace hazards and reducing risks
Awhonn'S Clinical Issues in Perinatal and Women'S Health Nursing
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Nurses face many workplace hazards, including chemical, biological, and physical risks. This study identifies these risks and provides preventive measures to enhance nurse safety and reduce occupational exposures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Nursing Safety
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Nurses encounter diverse occupational hazards, including psychosocial, chemical, biological, and physical agents.
- Understanding exposure pathways is crucial for mitigating risks in nursing environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify common workplace hazards for nurses.
- To discuss potential health risks associated with these exposures.
- To recommend preventive strategies for a safer nursing environment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on occupational hazards in nursing.
- Identification and categorization of chemical, biological, and physical workplace risks.
- Analysis of potential health outcomes linked to specific exposures.
Main Results:
- Identified chemical hazards include antineoplastic and antiviral drugs.
- Biological hazards discussed are human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, herpes viruses, rubella, and tuberculosis.
- Physical hazards encompass noise and ionizing/nonionizing radiation.
Conclusions:
- Nurses are exposed to a variety of significant occupational hazards.
- Awareness and implementation of specific preventive measures are essential for protecting nurses' health.
- Proactive safety protocols can effectively reduce workplace risks for nursing professionals.