Safety
Safety at work and Safe Patient Movement With the increasing demand for more nursing care, the fast growing aging population and the shortage in nursing it is imperative that we most take a serious look at our role of the health care provider. The main purpose of the modern care provider is to deliver a professional level of care, while avoiding the risk of injury to them and to the patients. It is also important to evaluate the work environment (patient's room, bathroom, floor, lighting, carpet, etc.) before taking immediate action. More important is the use of assisting devices such as; lifters, nets, wheelchairs, walkers and others. The care provider must familiarize themselves with the proper use of such equipment/devices before to attempt any patient movement. Following equipment instructions properly is the best way to avoid any injury. Any injury, whether it is a fall, laceration, fracture, or muscle strain, is costly. Another factor to be considered is the patient's level of stress and fear that may cause a potential fall. One of the roles of the nurse is to be an educator and provide the patient and his family the proper information about the procedure to be done (safe transfer). The proper interaction between the nurse, the patient and his family will lead to a better understanding of "safe patient movement". Proper safe handling of patient is very important to avoid injuries that may last for years or in the worst cases incapacitating the worker permanently. A severe injury has a ripple effect in the family life of the worker affecting as the financial status too. 1. Avoid taking shortcuts. According to most recently documentation the number one cause of injury in hospital workers is BACK INJURY. So please be careful and safe while performing your duties. In the event you do sustain an on the job injury, be certain to report it immediately to your supervisor. Do not forget to file the appropriate on the job injury reports promptly. AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL.
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