Staying Healthy in Healthcare

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If you work in healthcare, you know what an interesting and rewarding career it can be. Doctors, paramedics, technicians and nurses all play a part in making people’s lives better. They have an opportunity to make a difference, sometimes during the most difficult time in a patient’s life. But with all the benefits of a career in medicine, there can also be a few negatives, such as an increased risk of getting sick.

A 2012 study conducted by Truven Health Analytics found that hospital workers are less healthy than the general workforce. Becoming ill more often is also costly for medical workers. According to the study, hospital workers also spend more on healthcare than other types of workers.

Between overnight shifts, stress, and coming in contact with all types of germs, it’s no wonder healthcare workers get sick more often than workers in other fields. Depending on what type of healthcare job you have, bacteria and viruses may be your constant companion. But there are things you can do to increase your chances of staying healthy.

Start With the Basics

Although you may not be able to control who walks into the ER, there are things you can control to decrease your chances of getting sick. Give yourself a fighting chance by keeping your immune system strong.

You may have spoken to your patients about how lifestyle factors can affect their health. It’s time to practice what you preach. For example, eating a well-balanced diet helps your immune system run efficiently. Your diet should include healthy carbs, veggies, fruits, and lean protein. According to Harvard Medical Center, taking a multivitamin may help you get the nutrients you need. But taking a megadose of one specific vitamin, such as vitamin C, probably won’t do a lot of good to prevent illness.

If you’re a bit of a couch potato, that can also decrease your immune system function. Getting regular exercise on most days of the week is your best bet. Exercise will also help you maintain a healthy weight.

Lack of sleep is also a biggie when it comes your body’s ability to fight infection. Try to get seven or eight hours of sleep on most nights. Develop a routine to relax and unwind before hitting the sack. Limit caffeine a few hours before sleep since it can interfere with proper rest.

Gear Up

Another way to increase your chances of staying well is following isolation precautions. Depending on what type of infection or illness your patient has, you need to wear certain types of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Gowns, gloves, eye shields, and masks are all there for a reason. Without the right PPE, you risk exposing yourself to a variety of germs. Using PPE correctly and as needed can prevent you from contracting an illness. It’s easy to become complacent and dismiss isolation signs or take off PPE incorrectly, especially if you have been working in healthcare for a while. But it only takes one time of misuse to become infected and develop a serious illness.

In addition to using PPE correctly, wash your hands frequently. Although it may seem pretty simple, healthcare workers are not always the best about washing their hands. Good hand hygiene is an easy and important way to decrease your chances of getting sick.

Consider Vaccinations

The type of position you have may play a role in whether you need to get certain vaccinations. For instance, if you are a nurse case manager, you are unlikely to have the same risk of infection as an ER nurse. There are a number of vaccines that may be recommended to you based on your position.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some common vaccines recommended for healthcare workers include hepatitis B, tetanus, MMR, and an annual flu shot. Consider your risk of infection and speak with your doctor regarding the benefits of vaccines.

References

Taylor Michael, M.D., Bithoney, William, M.D. Truven Health Analytics. 10 Steps for developing a culture of Health for Hospitals and Health System employees   http://img.en25.com/Web/TruvenHealthAnalytics/EMP_11759_0812_10steps2cultureOFhealth_WEB.pdf . Accessed June 2015.

Harvard Medical Center. How to Keep Your Immune System Strong. http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system  Accessed June 2015.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended Vaccine for Healthcare Workers. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/hcw.html  Accessed June 2015.