Lowering nursing injuries using post offer pre-employment testing

Issue title: Occupational Therapists in Work Rehabilitation and Ergonomics

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Faris, Jason

Affiliations: CHRISTUS St. Michael Outpatient Rehab Clinic, 2223 Morris Lane, Texarkana, TX 75504, USA. Tel.: +1 903 614 4413; Fax: +1 903 614 4444; E-mail: jason.faris@christushealth.org

Abstract: Background and purpose: Nursing injuries are alarmingly high in the healthcare system. The rate of injuries adds to the shortage of nurses that are already employed. Preventing nursing injuries has focused on utilizing patient handling equipment. This project used post offer pre employment testing to attempt to control the injuries of nurses in a healthcare facility. Outcomes: Injuries were significantly lower in the employment pool that was tested when compared the nursing staff that had not been tested. Five injuries were reported in the tested group, resulting in $1,778 spent on the injuries, whereas the non-tested group had 54 injuries totaling $26,208. The total return on investment by this program was $4,541,059. Discussion: Post Offer Pre employment testing can be a cost effective way to decrease the amount of injuries with nursing staff.

Keywords: Nursing injuries, post offer pre employment testing, industrial rehabilitation, occupational therapy

Journal: Work, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 39-45, 2008