Hands around neck when moving

Students CNA/MA

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Do you allow a patient to put their arms around your neck when transferring from a bed? Seems to depend on who you ask, I've heard yes and no from different people. I'm wondering if there's a correct answer for the CNA exam? The NC handbook does not mention this from what I can tell so maybe it doesn't matter as far as the exam goes?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN

3 Articles; 10,428 Posts

I'm not a CNA, but as an RN, I'd suggest if you did allow it you can expect a nice WC injury to follow. At no point in my schooling were we ever allowed to have a patient put their hands anywhere on us, period. When transferring, it's usually best to have them keep their hands tucked onto their chests, so they don't get "caught" on anything; the exact arm/hand positions would depend on where you were moving them from and to.

Nope, don't let anyone hang on you like a coathook, unless you LIKE cervical sprains.

tnicnat

89 Posts

No, not around the neck at all....when you are in the position to move a patient/resident, have the patient but their hands on your shoulders or upper arms. Use your gait belt , then rock them a bit and move them. Only to the side not full around if possible. So make sure your positioned correctly. Hope this helps some.

hypha

7 Posts

Ha yes sorry meant on shoulders not around neck!

I am hearing recommendations for both no contact from patient when helping up and contact around shoulders. It doesn't specify in the NC CNA manual so I guess it doesn't matter for the exam?

Missingyou, CNA

718 Posts

Specializes in Long term care.

In my CNA class we were trained to have the resident (if they were in a sitting position & transferring) put their arms around our neck. We were told NOT to do this if they were lying in bed and you were repositioning them.

I personally do NOT let residents put their arms/hands around my neck when tranferring. I have them put their hands around my upper shoulders or back or hold onto my upper arms.

I've learned the hard way! Residents who are not "alert" enough will sometimes dig their nails in or pull hair when they feel their bottons leave the chair. :yawn:

Penholder

149 Posts

NO!!!

i have used the shoulders if height was a issue (once or twice in 10 years). A safer option is to use 2 gait belts. One around them and one around you. Have them grasp the gait belt.

The the best yet though is to use a walker and have them stand pivot.

blondebabe0625

153 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics, Cardiology..

Absolutely not! Use a Gait belt and have them hold your sides

verene, MSN

1,790 Posts

Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

At my training we were told to NEVER let the patient grab on to your neck/shoulders/upper arms because they can easily pull you over or inadvertently injure you. We were taught to have the patient "give themselves a hug" and cross their arms over their chest. It keeps their extremities from getting caught on anything while you are moving and allows you easy access to the gait belt.

The only time I've let resident grab on to my arm is when they just need a hand for a balance point while they stand, but can do all the lifting of body weight themselves.

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