HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Healthcare is the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy, employing over 18 million workers. Women represent nearly 80% of the healthcare work force. Healthcare workers face a wide range of hazards on the job, including sharps injuries, harmful exposures to chemicals and hazardous drugs, back injuries, latex allergy, violence, and stress. Although it is possible to prevent or reduce healthcare worker exposure to these hazards, healthcare workers continue to experience injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Cases of nonfatal occupational injury and illness with healthcare workers are among the highest of any industry sector.
Safety and Health Information for Healthcare Workers
Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others
External
Caring for Yourself While Caring for OthersExternal is a NIOSH promotional video for home health workers. It provides a brief overview of the Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others curriculum.
Shift Work and Long Work Hours
NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours
An online, continuing education course for registered nurses and other healthcare professional. This evidence-based program can help healthcare professionals and their managers with the demands of working in the evening, at night, early in the morning, or long work hours. It gives workplace and personal strategies to improve the healthcare professional’s sleep, alertness, energy, and health when on these work schedules. The training was developed by NIOSH in collaboration with the American Nurses Association and nursing faculty as well as input from focus groups and pilot tests of staff nurses and nurse managers. The NIOSH training is interactive and includes video testimonials from several nurses. Continuing education certificates are available through the CDC Training and Continuing Education Online system. The 3.5 hour course can be taken at any time that is convenient and over a series of 15 or 20 minute time periods if desired.