Occupational health in nursing students in the clinic - a review article

BackgroundNursing is a high-risk profession in terms of occupational health and safety, which also includes nursing students. Several factors play a role in their placement in the high-risk group, including: low knowledge about safety and misunderstanding of the need and importance of occupational health. Assessing the risks and reducing them requires more research and deficiencies in this area are debatable.MethodIn this review study, ۲۱ articles from Medline, Proquest, PubMed and Google Scholar databases from ۲۰۱۲ to ۲۰۲۰ with the keywords "Nursing, Occupational Health, Safety and Clinic Students" were reviewed.ResultsThe studies showed that nursing students' knowledge of occupational health and safety is very low. Medical centers have limited personal safety equipment for nursing students, and this, in addition to the potential risks to students, has led students to experience anxiety, frustration, and verbal assault in clinic.ConclusionNursing students are exposed to risks, especially physical risks, such as exposure to body fluids and secretions, exposure to chemicals, improper handling of patients, contact with latex and disinfectants, and eye damage. Carelessness in performing clinical work, stress and being under pressure while doing work are important and common causes of unwanted events for nursing students. According to the results, it is recommended that occupational health principles training courses be given to nursing students before entering the clinical wards and these courses be repeated during the study period. Clinical instructors should also emphasize the importance of occupational health in nursing students.

Keywords:

Nursing students , occupational health , safety , risk management , clinical education