Fatigue can lead to serious workplace injuries for nurses

Nursing is a tough profession in the best of times. Add a pandemic to the mix and an already hazardous job becomes much more dangerous. One of the most overlooked workplace risks for nurses is fatigue and exhaustion.

Longer hours and increased stress can take a physical toll. It can also lead to mental lapses putting the health of nurses at risk. According to the CDC, healthcare workers who are experiencing fatigue are at an increased risk of:

• Contracting an infectious disease
• Suffering a needlestick
• Suffering work-related muscle injuries

It can be difficult for nurses to acknowledge when they need help. However, burnout is a real condition and it’s not likely to go away on its own.

Workers’ compensation benefits may be available

Workers’ compensation benefits are not limited to cases involving physical injury. Work-related mental health issues, including burnout, may be eligible for workers’ comp coverage. However, it’s important that the condition be a result of work. Suffering from sleeplessness because of a personal issue in your life would not qualify as work-related exhaustion.

If work is wearing you down, don’t wait until you become physically ill or injure yourself. Explore your workers’ compensation options. Take some time to discuss your situation with a skilled legal professional. It’s also worth your time to seek help from a medical professional. Workers’ compensation benefits should cover any treatment for work-related exhaustion. Just because it’s your calling to help others doesn’t mean you can’t turn to others for help in your time of need.