Abstract

The study was conducted in an attempt to identify factors in the work situation which seemed to have had bearing on accidents involving nursing service employees, and to analyze and classify these factors for use in accident prevention and safety education activities. An accident was any sudden and unexpected event which resulted in a physical injury.

Literature was reviewed to study the findings of past studies in the area of hospital accidents, and to aid in the classification of the accident data which were applicable to nursing service personnel.

The descriptive survey method of research using the California State compensation accident report was used for this study. One hundred twenty-five accidents were reported during a two year period. In addition to surveying the compensation forms for information, additional data was obtained from the nursing service office of the selected hospital.

Analysis and classification of the data were made according to time, place, age, sex, level of personnel, lost time days, work experience, accident proneness, part of body injured, nature, and cause of accidents. These were presented in tables and figures. Interpretation was made regarding each classification.

Although nonprofessional personnel were involved in more accidents than professional, the observed difference between the two groups showed the professional to be more accident prone. Further findings revealed that the nurse aide group had the highest percentage of personnel involved in accidents, and the practical nurse group the highest number of lost time days.

Most of the accidents occurred in the 20-29 year age group but the 50-59 and 60-69 year age group were shown to be more accident prone.

The units having the highest percentage of employees involved in accidents as well as lost time days, were the medical unit and the orthopedic-urology-eye unit.

Back strains were the most frequent injuries and accounted for the greatest number of lost time injuries and lost time days.

The upper extremities accounted for the highest number of injuries and were due mostly to contusions and lacerations.

May and August were peak months in accident occurrence.

The 7-3 tour of duty accounted for .7 or the most accidents per person.

Need for safety activities in the selected hospital was evident. Based upon the findings in this study, recommendations were made.

LLU Discipline

Nursing

Department

Nursing

School

Graduate Studies

First Advisor

Maureen R. Maxwell

Second Advisor

Catherine N. Graf

Third Advisor

Erwin J. Remboldt

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1960

Date (Title Page)

5-1960

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Nursing Staff, Hospital; Accidents

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vii; 51

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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