Nurses At Work

Just like any other profession, nurses are also exposed to certain occupational hazards. Considering the fact that hospitals take in the sick, whatever the case may be (infectious or not), nurses are the forerunner in the primary care of these patients. They are the ones who come in contact with them so that interventions and doctors’ orders are carried out. And, this is the very reason why precautionary measures prior to patient interaction are now being implemented.

Nursing and diseases, whether communicable or not, often go hand in hand. Nurses exist because of the sick. Patients are sick because they are afflicted with a disease. Nurses are the ones who care for these patients. They do not only cater to one but we are talking about numbers, a ward, or a wing of ill and doctored individuals. As a nurse moves from bed to bed, chances of disease transmission increases. The most basic precaution against this is the standard hand washing. Washing your hands with an antibacterial soap minimizes the risk of transmitting a disease from one patient to the other. Another prevention to further eliminate chances of transmission is the use of a protective barrier – gloves.  

When you start manifesting any signs and symptoms of a possible communicable disease, you should inform your head nurse right away. They will be the ones to decide whether you will pose a health threat to patients or not. If you are found to be communicable, it is advised that you take a leave and stay away from immunocompromised patients as necessary. 

Aside from the risk of exposure to communicable diseases, other problems may also arise in the work area. Because of this, you also have to implement precautionary measures in the event of any social conflict in the work area.

Teamwork is an important factor in the success of the provision of quality nursing services to the patients. If an institution lacks it, little or no work can be done effectively. It is important that as a nurse, you are a team player. If you think you can not work with your co-workers, you have to inform the leader or the head nurse.

Stress is another factor that affects the quality of work among nurses. As a nurse, you are bombarded by a lot of stressors in the hospital. However, no matter how stressed you are in your work, there is no place for errors and mistakes in the performance of procedures and interventions. You have to remember that you are dealing with lives. One little mistake may put someone’s life in doom. If you feel that stress is building up and starts to physically manifest, you should talk to the resident on duty. If you can’t, then taking a break is the least you can do.

For more information visit: Nursing Business Guide and  Nursing Agency