For many, getting into the healthcare profession is a calling to help others when they are most vulnerable. For far too many, there is an increasing concern of what will happen if injured at work and are unable to continue working. Workers’ compensation is one financial resource that may be available.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is money or benefits paid to an employee who has suffered an injury while at work performing their duties. As a healthcare worker, you can access workers’ compensation through your employer in many cases. There is a specific process to make a claim. Nevertheless, if injured at work, you have the ability to make a claim and apply for the resources you need to get on the path and maintain your healing process.
Healthcare workers at risk for violence
The sad reality is that workplace violence has become widespread in healthcare settings. Moreover, those who work in healthcare are five times more likely than those in other professions to get injured at work. No matter the area of medical practice, healthcare workers, and especially nurses, must work with patients who are often confused or frustrated with the services they receive. These frustrations are then taken out on nurses who can then find themselves with horrible injuries.
It is imperative that healthcare workers understand the risk associated with their jobs and take precautions. If you get hurt on the job, you should do what you can to ensure that you have the care and help you need to make a full recovery. This may mean documenting your injury and collecting workers’ compensation.
