As a nurse, safety should be one of your top priorities while on the job. Whether you work in a hospital, doctor’s office, or another medical facility, there are a few practices to keep in mind to decrease the risk of being injured or getting sick while working.
Needles
There are times when you could get stuck with a needle. As a part of nurse safety, one of the things that you can do to decrease this risk is to make sure your fingers are at the back of the needle when it’s used on a patient. Place the needle and cap in the proper container as soon as the needle is used.
Transferring Patients
If possible, try to use a lift when transferring patients from one area to another. You can also utilize the assistance of another nurse or an assistant if a device is not available. Make sure you bend with your legs as a component of nurse safety so that you don’t strain your back.
Medications
When medications are given, you need to check the label and the dosage as well as the patient’s information at least two times to ensure that you’re dispensing the correct amount. If you need to administer the medication through an IV or a needle, you should wear the proper protective equipment to prevent the medication from getting into your bloodstream. Gloves and a mask are common items to wear as well as a gown to keep medications from getting on your clothes as well.
Learn more about ways you can stay safe while working as a nurse by contacting Sharp Fluidics today.
