Nursing working condition
Most Registered Nurses work in well-lighted,
comfortable health care facilities. Home health and
public health nurses travel to patients’ homes,
schools, community centers, and other sites. RNs may
spend considerable time walking and standing.
Patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities
require 24-hour care; consequently, nurses in these
institutions may work nights, weekends, and
holidays. RNs also may be on call—available to work
on short notice. Nurses who work in office settings
are more likely to work regular business hours.
About 23 percent of RNs work part time, and 7
percent hold more than one job.
Nursing occupational hazards
Nursing has its hazards, especially in hospitals,
nursing care facilities, and clinics, where nurses
may care for individuals with infectious diseases.
RNs must observe rigid, standardized guidelines to
guard against disease and other dangers, such as
those posed by radiation, accidental needle sticks,
chemicals used to sterilize instruments, and
anesthetics. In addition, they are vulnerable to
back injury when moving patients, shocks from
electrical equipment, and hazards posed by
compressed gases. RNs who work with critically ill
patients also may suffer emotional strain from
observing patient suffering and from close personal
contact with patients’ families.
Information on Registered Nurses in America:
Information on Licensed Vocational and Practical Nurses in America:
|
