When Nurses Hurt, Hospitals Bleed: The Overlooked Costs of Caregiver Injury
The Cost of Care Has a Human Price Tag
In today’s acute care environment, the pressure on front line teams is relentless. Staffing shortages dominate headlines—but beneath the surface, another crisis is quietly draining resources, morale, and outcomes: caregiver injuries.
Every time a nurse, therapist, or technician strains to reposition a patient without the right equipment, the risk of injury rises. And when caregivers get hurt, hospitals pay the price—not just in workers’ compensation, but in lost time, turnover, and compromised care.
A 2018 study found that 59% of injuries among direct care staff were linked to patient-handling activities like repositioning, transferring, and fall prevention1. These injuries don’t just sideline staff—they drive burnout, absenteeism, and turnover.
The Workforce is Shrinking—And Straining
The U.S. is projected to face a shortfall of over 500,000 registered nurses by 2030, with 37 states expected to experience critical shortages2.
Nearly 50% of nurses are over 50, signaling a wave of retirements that will further strain already stretched teams.
But the crisis isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the physical toll of care delivery. Caregivers are lifting, transferring, and repositioning patients every day—often without the tools or support they need.
Caregiver Injuries: The Silent Drain on Acute Care
According to the National Safety Council, healthcare remains the highest-risk sector for nonfatal workplace injuries in the U.S., with patient handling being a leading cause3.
Overexertion and bodily reaction — especially during transfers — are the top causes.
These injuries don’t just sideline staff. They drive burnout, absenteeism, and turnover. In fact, 41% of nurses say they plan to leave their roles within two years, citing physical strain as a key factor4.
“When caregivers are injured, everyone loses—patients, teams, and the organization. Safe patient handling isn’t optional. It’s foundational to workforce sustainability.“ – Jessica Hixon, MBA, BSN, RN — Vice President, Clinical, Arjo
Pressure Injuries: A Preventable, Costly Outcome
While caregivers are hurting, so are patients. Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) affect an estimated 8.4% of hospitalized patients, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)5.
These injuries are painful, costly, and often preventable.
Structured prevention protocols—like early risk assessment, repositioning, and therapeutic surfaces—can reduce incidence by up to 95% when implemented effectively5.
“Pressure injury prevention isn’t just a clinical best practice—it’s a strategic imperative. When we invest in prevention, we protect patients, reduce costs, and free up nursing capacity.“ – Sara Tackson, PT, MPT, CWS, Clinical Consultant, Arjo
The Challenge of Choosing the Right Solution
Identifying risk is only half the battle. Choosing the right solution—one that fits the patient, the task, and the environment—is complex. That’s why Arjo’s MOVE® program combines clinical expertise with data-driven tools to guide decision-making and implementation.
Arjo MOVE: A Strategic Imperative
Arjo’s MOVE® program is more than equipment—it’s a partnership. Through on-site consultancy, protocol development, and hands-on training, we help hospitals build a culture of safe mobility.
“It’s not just about preventing injuries. It’s about enabling caregivers to stay at the bedside, doing what they do best—delivering exceptional care.” — Kelley Crandell, M.Ed., CDMS, CHSP, Mercy Health
Protect Your People, Protect Your Outcomes
For CNOs and nursing leaders, the message is clear: investing in mobility and safety solutions isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. When you protect your caregivers, you protect your patients, your outcomes, and your bottom line.
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References:
- Totzkay, DL. Multifactorial Strategies for Sustaining Safe Patient Handling and Mobility, 2018
- Nursing Shortage in 2025: Causes, Stats & Key Facts
- Injury Facts - National Safety Council
- 2024 Nursing Shortage Statistics
- Pressure Injury Prevention Program Implementation Guide | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality