Workplace health & safety
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Workplace health & safety · Aug 2021
Certified Nursing Assistants' Perceived Workplace Violence in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Qualitative Analysis.
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide 80% to 90% of direct care and are 23 times more likely to experience aggressive behavior from residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities than in other health care settings. The purpose of this study was to describe CNAs' perceptions of workplace violence while working in LTC facilities. ⋯ Workplace violence from residents residing in LTC facilities is an occupational health risk for CNAs. LTC facilities need a multisystem approach to reduce episodes of resident-on-CNA violence. This approach should include comprehensive training to recognize triggers of violent behavior, especially when working with individuals with dementia, as well as administrative support, and mental health resources to address the cumulative and negative consequences of racism.
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Workplace health & safety · Apr 2020
Incorporating Mindfulness Into Occupational Stress Management Programming for Nursing Staff.
Nurses are often at risk of burnout due to the effects of occupational stress. Implementing mindfulness wellness programming, that is easy to access and incorporate into the workday, can be effective in reducing occupational stress.
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Workplace health & safety · Mar 2020
Examining Behaviors Related to Retirement, Cleaning, and Storage of Turnout Gear Among Rural Firefighters.
Background: Although the increased occupational exposures among career firefighters are well documented, there are gaps in research related to exposures among volunteer firefighters. This study was completed in a state where the majority of firefighters are volunteers. We aimed to examine if differences existed in career versus volunteer firefighters' behaviors related to the retirement, cleaning, and storage of turnout gear which may increase occupational exposures. ⋯ The majority of participants were concerned with job-related exposures. The structural issues of cost and accessibility were identified as the primary barriers to the proper retirement and cleaning of turnout gear, especially among volunteer firefighters. By identifying differences, tailored trainings could be aimed at volunteer firefighters to help reduce their exposures.
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Workplace health & safety · Mar 2019
Randomized Controlled TrialThe Effects of a Modified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on the levels of stress, affect, and resilience among nurses in general hospitals in mainland China. In addition, the study attempted to determine the impact of the program on job satisfaction. A total of 110 nurses were randomly assigned to the intervention versus control groups. ⋯ No improvement in job satisfaction was observed, but the trends of the data were in the hypothesized direction that job satisfaction would improve. The modified MBSR program is an effective approach for nurses to decrease stress and negative affect and improve positive affect and resilience. In addition, the program has the potential to improve job satisfaction.
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Workplace health & safety · Jan 2019
ReviewThe Opioid Epidemic and the Role of the Occupational Health Nurse.
The opioid epidemic is a national public health crisis. It began with the misuse of commonly used prescription opioid pain relievers and has led to the increased use of heroin and illicit fentanyl. Large-scale initiatives have begun on the federal and state level and place an emphasis on improved opioid prescribing, which have important implications for the workplace. ⋯ Prescription drug abuse affects all aspects of society so potentially any workplace could be affected. A multifaceted approach is needed to reduce opioid morbidity and mortality and the occupational health nurse should be actively involved. The intent of this article is to provide an overview of the epidemic and its impact on health, the challenges for the workplace, and recommended strategies for the occupational health nurse to impact the problem.