Running Head Nursing Problem ✓ Solved

As a nurse practitioner, the major roles include the assessment of the needs of the patients. A nursing practitioner also orders and interprets test from laboratories, they do illness and disease diagnosis, medication prescription and formulate plans for treatment. There are a number of challenges that face the nurse in their field of practices. This paper will focus to discuss the hazards in the workspace of these practitioners.

The nursing field of practice is one of the most dangerous places of working as one does work in a delicate environment where one is in the risks of being infected or even injuring oneself. Nurses are faced with a number of risks in daily job activities. Some of these hazards include injuries, flu germs, hand washing –related dermatitis and pathogens that are based in the blood among others.

According to the report produced by OSHA, about 5.6 million of 12.2 million workers are under the risk of being exposed to blood borne pathogens. This is a big number of health workers under the risk meaning that soon there will be a shortage of health nursing or health workers in general. Moreover, the rates of risks are higher in the health care industry than any other industries. This industry has registered around 35000 injuries covering different parts of the body. These range from the shoulders, hands, feet, and back.

These statistics are according to the Bureau Labor Statistics (Gooch, 2015). Apart from the acute injuries discussed, they also suffer harm exposed on their hands. From a recent study carried out in the University of Manchester, the health workers that follow protocols are 4.5 times exposed to skin damage risks. The report also reported up to 25 percent of cases of irritant contact dermatitis. These individuals also get exposed to infectious diseases in their areas of practice.

One of the most commonly contacted infection is Hepatitis B (HBV). This is infection can be contacted via blood contact, feces, saliva, and semen. This instrument of spreading the infection is in contact with the patient and also the needles (Gooch, 2015). Nursing practitioners also risk exposure to toxic substances in the clinical environment. Radiation is another risk that comes majorly from the ionizing radiation.

Complications associated with radiation include skin cancer, leukemia, and cancer among others. One comes to contact with this radiation in the instances of performing x-ray scans. Another challenge that faces nursing practitioners is stress. This is experienced mostly among the nurses who work with the patients that are terminally or chronically ill (NCBI, 2016).

The focus of the research is on the articles that are based on nursing practices. These articles also further narrow down to the specific problems facing the nursing practitioners. The aim is to find a solution to the above-identified problem.

It is important to take extra measures when working in various situations. Capacity building of the nurses on the safety measures while working is very important. They should also be educated on using the protective gear which will reduce exposure to risks. For instance, the use of antiviral face mask inactivates the 99.99 percent of the flu viruses tested in the laboratory.

Nursing problems date back to the early times when the nursing profession started; these challenges range from work-based issues, personal issues to working environment challenges that nurses face. Various literature sources comprehensively discuss these problems and also propose potential solutions to help address some of these challenges (Iglehart, 1987).

Nurses continue to struggle with various issues, including low wages, poor working conditions, and the overarching risk of harm to themselves and their patients. This has greatly affected their output in their professions, as they must exercise caution amidst unsafe working conditions. The limited number of nurses available in healthcare continues to be a major problem impacting the profession (Peterson, 2001).

The frequent reports of hepatitis B among nurses working in poor conditions raise critical questions about occupational safety and health standards. It has been shown that the health of nurses is significantly impacted by the lack of proper working conditions, making their employment situation hazardous (Hayes et al., 2006).

The continued low remuneration for nurses exacerbates the issues within the profession, reducing job satisfaction and increasing turn-over rates, thereby negatively affecting healthcare provision on a broader scale (Hayes et al., 2006). To improve the situation, a concerted effort from professional organizations and governmental bodies is necessary to establish fair remuneration structures for nurses.

Paper For Above Instructions

The nursing profession is known for its demanding workload and critical responsibilities, which often expose professionals to various hazards. These risks can significantly threaten the well-being of the nurses and the quality of care they provide.

This paper discusses the prominent hazards in the nursing field and innovative strategies to mitigate these challenges. A variety of risks—such as exposure to infectious diseases, physical injuries, and emotional stress—constitute a substantial threat to nurses and healthcare outcomes.

The presence of bloodborne pathogens poses a significant health risk to nurses, particularly in emergency and high-acuity settings. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlight this risk, noting that approximately 5.6 million health workers are susceptible to exposure (Gooch, 2015).

In addition to potential infections like Hepatitis B, many nurses experience physical injuries resulting from lifting patients or handling equipment improperly. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that healthcare workers endure around 35,000 injuries per year, affecting various body parts (Gooch, 2015).

Furthermore, the psychological components of nursing also contribute to occupational hazards. Many nurses report high levels of stress and burnout, primarily related to long hours and emotionally taxing situations. This stress can lead to a deterioration in professional performance and job satisfaction, ultimately compromising patient safety.

To address these issues, educational initiatives on safety protocols and the implementation of protective gear can significantly reduce risks. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can decrease exposure to infectious diseases, while ergonomic training can prevent musculoskeletal injuries. For example, targeting specific issues such as proper lifting techniques can safeguard against injuries (NCBI, 2016).

Innovative solutions also extend to workplace policies that promote health and well-being. Organizations should actively foster an environment that encourages nurses to report unsafe conditions and participate in decision-making processes regarding workplace safety. Active engagement can lead to better awareness and more targeted interventions.

Research indicates that health care facilities that prioritize mental health support for their staff see improved job satisfaction and performance (Iglehart, 1987). Strategies such as counseling services, relaxation techniques, and stress management workshops should be implemented within hospital frameworks.

Moreover, providing competitive salaries and benefits will help retain experienced nursing staff and reduce turnover rates. Investing in nurses' remuneration is not just an ethical obligation but also a strategic move to ensure the availability of skilled practitioners (Hayes et al., 2006).

Going forward, it is essential to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to create a culture of safety within healthcare. The active partnership between nursing professionals, healthcare administrators, and policymakers is vital to develop comprehensive solutions to these longstanding challenges. Implementing regular training sessions focusing on safety and risk management will enhance nurses' competency and comfort in their roles.

In conclusion, while various hazards compromise nurses’ safety and effectiveness, innovative strategies can substantially improve the situation. Employing a multifaceted approach that encompasses risk education, ergonomic strategies, mental health support, and appropriate remuneration can lead to a safe and productive working environment for nurses.

References

• Gooch, K. (2015, August 13). 5 of the biggest issues nurses face today. Becker's Hospital Review. Retrieved from [link]
• Gooch, K. (2015, July 15). 4 common nursing hazards demanding hospitals' attention. Clinical Leadership & Infection Control. Retrieved from [link]
• NCBI. (2016). Nursing Health & Environment: Strengthening the Relationship to Improve the Public Health. Retrieved from [link]
• Iglehart, J. K. (1987). Problems facing the nursing profession.
• Peterson, C. A. (2001). Nursing shortage: Not a simple problem-no easy answers. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 6(1), 1-14.
• Hayes, L. J., O’Brien-Pallas, L., Duffield, C., Shamian, J., Buchan, J., Hughes, F., ... & Stone, P. W. (2006). Nurse turnover: a literature review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 43(2).