Nurses do one of the toughest jobs in the world. When the going gets especially rough, the American Nurses Association is there to ensure that all RNs in the country receive the wages, breaks, treatment, and support they need to do their jobs safely and well. However, when things get especially hard — such as when an unexpected accident occurs — there are other resources that can be utilized as well. Continue below to see if you may be eligible for compensation for your work injury by filing a workers’ comp claim. The American Nurses Association Since 1897, the American Nurses Association has been working to protect the rights and wages of America’s registered nurses. Today, over one million nurses are presided over in its combined 54 member associations that stretch across the country. The Association’s current endeavors involve continuing to establishing countrywide standard nursing practices, increasing baseline RN earnings, increasing the rights of nurses in the workplace, and educating future nurses on ever-advancing medical technology. Potential Injuries Nurses cope with a spectrum of obstacles every day. In the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of a hospital, it is impossible to prevent 100% of accidents. However, this doesn’t mean that it is the fault of the RN when accidents do occur. There are a variety of injuries that can be covered by your employer, such as: slip and falls (on cleaning product, IV fluids, waste, etc.) illnesses contracted from patients back, neck, shoulder, or knee problems (resulting from repeated work tasks over a long period of time) cuts and bruises from medical equipment What to Do After Your Work Injury As a nurse, you will likely already be familiar with how to go about getting treatment for your injury. Be sure to do so as close to the accident as possible. Also, be sure to inform your supervisor of the incident so they can begin looking into the incident while you are treated. Once you are well enough, start to jot down everything you remember about the accident. Be as detailed as you can so your employer can understand what caused the accident. Try to get similar statements from anyone else who was also present. If you or a coworker can get photographs of the scene of the accident (especially if it exemplifies the circumstances of your accident) that is also especially useful. Once your information is collected, you should contact the American Nurses Association to determine how you should go forward with your claim. The claim process works a bit differently depending on your employer, so this is an important step. Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Filing for workers’ compensation can be difficult on your own, even if you are familiar with the medical aspect of the claim. Workers’ comp involves many more legalities that can trip up applicants and prevent them from getting the compensation they deserve. To reduce this risk, consider speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney who can organize your case, file your claim, and negotiate on your behalf. If you are unsure, schedule a free consultation to see if their assistance is something you could use going forward. Additional Resources Nurses and Workers Compensation Applying for Workers’ Comp as a Member of the California Nurses Association Disclaimer: The content of this article is purely informative and should not be construed as official legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.*
