Working in healthcare can be dangerous for many reasons. Injuries are commonplace among nurses and CNAs, who work physically demanding jobs in intense, fast-paced environments. But what are the common work injuries faced by nurses and CNAs in North Carolina? Explore common injuries, what to do if you’ve been injured, and why you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
The term musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) can refer to a range of injuries that affect:
- Muscles
- Nerves
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Joints
- Cartilage
- Spinal discs
Nurses and CNAs are uniquely vulnerable to MSDs due to the physical demands of their jobs. They must frequently lift, reposition, and transfer patients. These repetitive and strenuous tasks can lead to lower back pain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other forms of MSDs. Nurses working in emergency care and geriatric settings are often affected by these ailments.
Sharps Injuries
Needle sticks and other sharps injuries pose a significant hazard to nurses and CNAs because they create a risk of transmitting blood-borne infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. These injuries can occur during blood draws, injectable medication administration, or improper disposal of used sharps.
Emergency room and surgical nurses are most prone to needle stick injuries because of the fast-paced nature of these environments. One National Library of Medicine study from 2025 reports an incidence rate of 8.8% over one year. However, other studies show that up to 42.8% of nurses have experienced a sharps injury at some point during their careers.
Back Injuries
Back injuries can occur due to patient-handling tasks like lifting, transferring, and providing mobility support. These activities place strain on your back muscles and spinal column, which can lead to both acute injuries or chronic pain conditions. Back injuries are most common in fields like orthopedics, where patients need more assistance with mobility. Nurses and CNAs working in long-term care facilities are also at an increased risk.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls can occur in any occupation, but they are especially prevalent in healthcare settings. Spills, cluttered spaces, wet floors, and urgent response demands can all lead to hazardous conditions. Keeping pathways clear, securing cords and cables, and having protocols in place for cleaning up spills can go a long way toward preventing slip-and-fall accidents.
Chemical Exposure
Nurses and CNAs are sometimes exposed to chemicals, including disinfectants, medications, and hazardous drugs that can pose a risk of skin irritation, respiratory issues, and long-term health problems. The nurses and CNAs working in oncology departments and laboratories face the largest risk of chemical exposure.
Infectious Diseases
Nurses and CNAs work in close proximity to patients with communicable illnesses. Exposure can occur through contact with the patient’s bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or airborne pathogens. The use of personal protective equipment and effective handwashing protocols can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Violence-Related Injuries
Healthcare workers in the Tar Heel State face more violence in the workplace than workers in other industries. They make up just 10% of the workforce, yet account for 48% of all incidents of workplace violence that lead to injury. Emergency department and psychiatric care workers are most likely to face workplace violence from aggressive patients or family members.
Occupational Stress and Burnout
While not physical injuries, occupational stress and burnout are very common forms of psychological damage among nurses and CNAs. These healthcare providers work in high-pressure environments characterized by long hours and extreme emotional demands. Healthcare burnout can lead to depression and anxiety, which can negatively impact a worker’s ability to provide compassionate care.
Overexertion Injuries
Overexertion injuries are some of the most common among nurses and CNAs. They occur due to the physical demands of patient care, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying heavy loads. Overexertion can cause acute injuries, such as strains or joint dislocations, and chronic pain conditions that develop due to repeated stress on the body.
What to Do if You’ve Been Injured on the Job
If you’re a nurse or CNA who’s been injured on the job, you should be covered under North Carolina workers’ compensation laws. Whether you’re having a difficult time navigating the system or your claim has been denied, hiring a workers’ compensation attorney can make the process easier.
FAQs
What Is a Common Workplace Injury for Nursing Assistants?
The most common type of workplace injury for nursing assistants is repetitive strain injury. These types of injuries occur due to repetitive tasks, such as constant bending, reaching, and turning. Utilizing proper body mechanics can help you avoid repetitive strain injuries, as can having good posture and taking frequent breaks.
What Is the Most Common Injury for Nurses?
Some of the most common injuries for nurses are musculoskeletal disorders like sprains and strains. These conditions are typically caused by overexertion, often during patient lifting and moving. Back, shoulder, and joint pain are all common effects. Falls, slips, and violence from patients also cause a good deal of injuries among nurses.
Which Injury Is One of the Most Common for Healthcare Workers?
One of the most common injuries for healthcare workers is muscle strains. These injuries, along with the equally common sprain, are usually considered overexertion injuries. Healthcare workers, particularly nurses and CNAs, are constantly on the go and often tasked with jobs that are physically demanding, such as moving large patients.
What Action Most Frequently Causes Injury to Nursing Assistants?
The action that most frequently causes injury to nursing assistants is patient handling. Patients often need to be lifted, transferred, and repositioned, especially in hospital and long-term care settings. Repeatedly performing this difficult task without access to the right assistive equipment leads to musculoskeletal disorders, such as back sprains, strains, and shoulder pain.
Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’re suffering from one of these common work injuries faced by nurses and CNAs in North Carolina, it’s time to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. The team at Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, can help you file your initial workers’ compensation claim or appeal a denial. We understand North Carolina workers’ compensation laws and system, and can leverage that knowledge to get your claim approved. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
