According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the healthcare industry continues to grow and employs around 18 million workers. While hospitals serve the noble purpose of providing aid to the sick and injured, they also create hazards for healthcare workers, such as nurses.
If you’re a nurse, you’ve probably gone into the field with the goal of helping others, but it’s also critical to ensure you’re taken care of, as well.
Arizona’s healthcare worker shortage
Although healthcare is a booming industry across the United States, Arizona lacks the staff the keep up with this growth. The state faces a shortage of healthcare workers and ranks 44th in the United States for its number of active doctors. Additionally, Arizona needs more qualified nurses, like you, in its hospitals.
Due to the state’s lack of nurses, you and other Arizona nurses may be working longer hours and face increased stress. More anxiety added to an already stressful occupation and the many hazards in your workplace can be dangerous or detrimental to your health. Even without added pressure, the CDC cites the healthcare industry already has the largest number of nonfatal, workplace injuries.
What dangers do healthcare workers face every day?
The CDC outlines potential risks to a healthcare-related job, such as physical injuries and work stress and overexertion.
You may have suffered a physical injury, such as musculoskeletal disorders, from lifting patients repeatedly over a long period of time. Or, you might have increased anxiety from trying to make up for a lack of nurses in your hospital.
If you have extreme anxiety and exhaustion, you may take risks and overexert yourself. These risks could lead to physical injuries, which may be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, it can be helpful to consult a lawyer on your case before moving ahead with filing a claim.
