06/09/2026
I love this topic because people often talk about healthcare as a “calling,” but forget it is also physically demanding labor. Nursing and bedside healthcare require strength, endurance, body mechanics, and constant awareness. The temptation to try to lift, shift, or move when help is not available is often present. * According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses experience tens of thousands of work-related injuries and illnesses every year, with musculoskeletal injuries being one of the leading concerns. * Healthcare workers have some of the highest rates of overexertion injuries across industries. * The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has reported that hospitals historically have had higher rates of worker injury than many traditionally “dangerous” industries, with patient handling being a major contributor. * The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health notes that manual patient handling—lifting, repositioning, transferring, catching falls—places healthcare workers at significant risk for back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. * Nurses commonly experience injuries involving: * Lower back * Shoulders * Neck * Wrists/hands * Knees People talk about nurses needing to “work out,” relieve stress, get healthy…but many people don’t realize… healthcare itself has been a workout. 💪 For 30+ years my body lifted, turned, transferred, caught, pushed, pulled, carried, and stood for hours while caring for others. Patients don’t come with handles. ❤️ Even as I transitioned into a provider role, I still found myself bending over wound care, adjusting positions, moving equipment, and reminding myself: protect your own body while helping someone else heal. Healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of workplace injuries — especially from overexertion and musculoskeletal strain. The irony? The people trained to care for everyone else often forget they have a body that needs care too. Strength training isn’t about vanity. Mobility isn’t about being “fit enough.” Rest isn’t weakness. For nurses and caregi