A program to reduce musculoskeletal disorders and promote health in nursing students

Elaine M. Rutkowski, Adriana Velez

Abstract


Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in health care are estimated to cost between $24 billion and $64 billion each year. Nurses and nursing students are prone to occupational injuries because of repetitive movements and poor biomechanics. Recent data from the CDC indicates that such injuries are contributing to the ongoing nursing shortage, as well as, the 260,000 vacancies in the profession projected by 2025.

Objective:  This project has the potential to increase knowledge regarding prevention of injuries, decreasing stress on the body, maintaining muscular strength, and avoidance of physical pain related to MSDs.

Purpose: To address the informational gap in nursing education concerning musculoskeletal injuries.

Aims: 1) Offer educational modules for implementation into nursing curricula; 2) Provide examples of primary prevention interventions for nursing students to avoid MSDs; 3) Offer “correct vs. incorrect” body mechanics exemplars with a tool to evaluate mastery.

Nursing education implications: This self-learning curriculum has the potential to fill the gap related to prevention of MSDs for students in nursing school and for practitioners in clinical settings.


Full Text:

PDF


DOI: https://doi.org/10.5430/jnep.v6n10p88

Journal of Nursing Education and Practice

ISSN 1925-4040 (Print)   ISSN 1925-4059 (Online)

Copyright © Sciedu Press 
To make sure that you can receive messages from us, please add the 'Sciedupress.com' domain to your e-mail 'safe list'. If you do not receive e-mail in your 'inbox', check your 'bulk mail' or 'junk mail' folders.