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Emergency nursing is a narrowed down field in the nursing profession. In this arena, nurses are furnished and schooled to manage patients in critical phase of their illness and injury. Emergency room nurses are able to treat patients in this phase having zero or complete diagnosis.
ER nurses are accustomed to fast paced surroundings. Because the emergency department of a hospital is generally overcrowded, emergency room nurses can be witnessed multitasking to balance and prioritize patients and their time.
How dangerous is it to be working in a hospital?
Having increasing reports of emergency room violence, police officers are posted amidst emergency nurses and other peace officers. A report made by the Massachusetts Bureau of Labor Statistics states that more than 4,000 health care professionals underwent verbal and physical assault when working in the ER (2005).
Other steps are being taken on to address the intensifying number of violence undertaken by emergency room staff. Legislations regarding the increase in penalty for culprits are expecting decision soon from the Assembly. Several programs and trainings to solve violence are starting out in hospitals and other health care institutions.
What other dangers are witnessed by an emergency nurse?
According to the International Hazard Datasheets on Occupation as published by the International Labour Organization, there are 7 primary dangers an emergency nurse can be open to.
1. As part of their responsibilities, emergency room nurses, sterilize, cleans and disinfects medical equipment. They could be exposed to elements that could damage the skin, respiratory system and mucous membranes.
2. Exposure to drugs, anesthetic gases and radiation.
3. Emergency room nurses could be injured by sharp objects like scalpels, needles and other similar objects.
4. Sick patients in the emergency room are a potential source of infection risk coming from body fluids.
5. Emergency room nurses could suffer from musculoskeletal problems and back pains because of handling heavy patients. Continuous work when standing and walking can cause fatigue and leg problems.
7. Stress and burnout caused by shifting schedules and night work.
The Emergency Nurses Association acknowledges the increasing number of emergency nurses undergoing stress. The emergency care surroundings can be really stressful both physically and emotionally.
Unresolved issue of stress may lead to burn out, absenteeism, sleep disorders, emotional difficulties and health problems.
How can these backlashes be avoided?
International Labor Organization (ILO) furnished numerous pointers to maintain the safety of the emergency department for emergency room health workers. Nurses should abide by all safety directions and conduct preventive maintenance of electrical medical equipment. Keeping all passageway clear, uncluttered and without obstructions. Follow correct routines in infection control, handling and disposing sharp objects.
ENA also supports the development and utilization of critical incident stress management, like relaxation, meditation, massage or humor therapy exercise, group therapy, guided imagery, .
ENA also realizes the effect of workplace violence and the need for a program which would include ongoing education, prevention, suitable security measures, identification of incidents, reporting and protocols.
