What Are the Causes of Work Stress & Disability in Health Workers?

Nurses, doctors, midwives, emergency medical technicians, physical therapists, massage therapists, hospice workers, lab technicians and dozens of other health care workers can experience stresses on the job. Some of the stressors can lead to disabilities and the need for rest and time off. Caring for the caregiver is vital. Though many in the health care industry try to balance demanding jobs with their home life or continuing education, sometimes the pressures are too many.

Emotional Involvement

• Health care practitioners typically choose their job out of genuine care and concern for humanity. They want to help however possible. Emotional involvement occurs. To experience joyful outcomes such as a successful surgery, the birth of a baby or the remission of cancer can be exhilarating. But when you are around terminal patients for extended periods or helping elders die with dignity, then the compassionate caregiver can become deeply affected. Rest and recreation would be in order.

Lifting Patients

• Lifting and moving patients in and out of beds, wheelchairs and showers can take their toll.

  Physical tasks can cause physical disability. Many hospitals now hire strong young men to help with certain heavy labor jobs, but nurses of both sexes must turn, lift and assist patients by supporting them for various activities. Though most health care practitioners are trained to learn how to lift, sometimes a patient will make a sudden move or do something dangerous and the practitioner must intervene. This can lead to physical injury, as can repeated lifting over time. Trauma of any sort can lead to disability.

Exposure

• Hospitals are where sick people go. Disease, viruses and bacteria are prevalent and although health care staff keep the environment clean, it is difficult to kill every germ or dispose of every toxic item perfectly. Toxins are also in many of the chemicals in hospitals and clinics, so exposure to them can lead to physical and mental stress, as well as disease. Blood is a major concern, and those who handle it, do blood draws or work in the labs can endure high stress. Limiting exposure and following precautions can help reduce problems.

Long Hours

• Many physicians, midwives, nurses and hospice workers endure very long hours at their job. Whether attending a laboring mother for 36 hours or helping ease the suffering of a dying octogenarian, rest is hard to find. Catnaps are insufficient, though they can help get through some rough spots. Dealing with people of all ages and in all types of circumstances can cause emotional stress and physical exhaustion. The trick is to have plenty of help and realistic hours, but not all health care services receive sufficient funding to offer these.