Registered nurses (RNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) took on a very visible role at the start of the pandemic. They were at the forefront of caring for the ill during a time of uncertainty. Unfortunately, this has contributed to shortages of RNs and CNAs. A recent survey showed that 34% of nurses were planning on retiring by the end of 2022 with 44% citing burnout.

This is leading to RNs and CNAs being overextended and more prone to injury. Before COVID, healthcare workers already had one of the highest rates of workers’ compensation claims with injuries, even outpacing construction workers. When our healthcare workers need help, it is in everyone’s best interest to make sure they get what they need to recover.

Steps You Should Take if You Are Injured at Work

  1. Assess your situation. Shifts can be long and grueling, and trying to power through it when you are in pain can make it worse, especially considering that the severity might not be initially apparent.
  2. As soon as you are able, fill out an incident report when you are able. This should include details of what happened, where and when it occurred, what caused your injury, and any witnesses.
  3. Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Even if you feel that you do not need their help. The consultation is free, and you will have established a relationship in case you need that option.

Common Injuries for Healthcare Workers

  1. Sprains, strains, and tears can occur from moving patients. This are particularly common in home healthcare situations, as workers often do not have the benefit of another worker or assistive devices.
  2. Slip and falls and trip and falls are common in hospital settings. Fluids on the floor, wires extending from equipment, and other hazards make these relatively ubiquitous.
  3. Assault from patients can be a frightening reality for some healthcare workers. These can occur from patients in psychiatric units or from those who are inebriated, confused, or who have violent tendencies outside of this.
  4. Needle sticks do not account for a large number of missed days, but they carry the potential to inflict long-term health conditions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 1,000 healthcare workers contract a serious infection, such as HIV, every year from needle sticks.
  5. Chemical exposure hazards encompass numerous areas of treatment and operation in healthcare settings. Sterilizing cleaners, pesticides, and anesthesia can all pose health risks, particularly for pregnant nurses.

Minnesota COVID-19 Presumption

In Minnesota, healthcare and other frontline workers are eligible for workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19 through the Minnesota COVID-19 Presumption. The presumption is that healthcare workers who test positive for COVID-19 has caught it at work. The positive test would then make the workers eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, unless the employer can prove that you caught it elsewhere.

Importance of Workers’ Compensation

The purpose of Minnesota workers’ compensation is to give injured workers the medical treatment necessary to recover. This is not just for your employer and hospital patients needing healthcare workers now more than ever, this is for you. Trying to power through shifts in pain is ultimately detrimental for everyone. If you have been injured, the best thing you can do is to take the necessary time to get better.

Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer.

Do not wait to have your consultation. It is free to talk about your options. We will assess your situation, walk you through your process, and ensure you get the care and settlement you deserve for your individual situation. Call or text us at (612) 465-8733.