Health Care Providers & Risks

Health care is a booming business filled with various jobs that require different skill levels. However, health care providers are at an increased risk for harm or injury while on the job. As a result, the risk for some of these health care professionals has caused a decline in the number of entries into the field. Being aware of these risks is very important for those considering a career in any of the following health care fields.

Physicians

• Physicians are a primary source of providing health care to patients. There are hundreds of different types of physicians that provide care. However, there are also numerous risks that go along with this job. Doctors are at risk for exposure to airborne or blood-borne diseases such as tuberculosis or HIV. There is also a risk for allergic reactions such as latex allergies and injury from needle sticks and cuts. Some physicians (such as emergency-room doctors) may be at increased risk of physical violence from unruly patients or their family members. All types of physicians are at risk for malpractice lawsuits due to the injury or death of a patient. Although many doctors make a nice living, it sometimes does not outweigh the risks of the job.

Nurses

• Nurses are also a very important and hands-on source of care for patients. In recent years, nurses have been in demand due to the lower number of graduates from nursing school. The risks of nursing jobs can include workplace injury such as falls or needle sticks, exposure to airborne or blood-borne disease, and physical assault. According to NursingWorld.org, some nurses that work in anesthetics have an increased risk for inhalation of gases or anesthetics that can cause a number of problems in fertility, fetal abnormality, immune-system deficiencies, along with renal or neurological diseases. Nurses are also at an increased risk for malpractice lawsuits if a patient is injured or dies.

Physical Therapist

• Physical therapy is another way of providing health care that has grown over the past few years. Many physicians are seeing the benefit of having these professionals work with them to rehabilitate patients and improve their quality of life. However, there are a number of risks involved with being a physical therapist. For example, physical therapists are at an increased risk for workplace injury such as muscle pulls, falls and broken bones. Any of these risks can occur during the physical process of manipulating their patients. In addition, there is also a risk for lawsuit or legal issues if a patient is injured during a physical therapy session.

Occupational Therapist

• Occupational therapists, like physical therapists, are at a risk for physical injury to themselves due to the requirement of physical manipulation of the patient. They are also at risk for blood-borne and airborne diseases and as a result must use standard precautions where necessary. They can also cause injury or be unable to prevent injury while working with patients. This places occupational therapists at an increased risk for malpractice lawsuits.

Certified Nursing Assistant

• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are an important aspect of patient care in a health care setting. They provide care that helps improve the patient's health and quality of life. However, nursing assistants are also at risk for contracting airborne and blood-borne diseases. They are also at an increased risk for injury to themselves when manipulating bed-bound or wheelchair-bound patients.