hmmm.

[Poi Dog]

A coworker was written up yesterday because while transferring a resident from a wheelchair to the shower chair, the resident's leg gave out. My coworker used his body as a slide and was able to prevent any harm to the resident.

So why did he get written up? He was not wearing a gait belt. The resident is a 1-2 person assist and is usually able to help. Coworker filled a worker's comp claim and went to the doctor because he was having bad pains after falling. When he came back to work, he was informed about the write up.

Thoughts?

Do you always use a gait belt?

[Ericm]

The only response I can really give is that it's obviously the facility's policy to use gait belts, so that would be a yes.

[caliotter3]

Whether or not he used a gait belt, or if a gait belt was even necessary, if the policy is in place, then he wasn't following policy. The write-up is necessary to back up the facility's attempts to avoid liability for any claim by the employee.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

It's our policy to use belts for every little thing.

And no, I don't always use one.

[Ericm]

It's our policy to use belts for every little thing.

And no, I don't always use one.

Just out of curiosity, may I ask why?

[CoffeemateCNA]

It's our policy to always use gait belts for ALL transfers (excluding those that require a mechanical lift).

It's just the facility's way of protecting itself against lawsuits. Think about how it sounds to the general public -- a CNA dropped an elderly person on the floor, resulting in the resident's harm, and wasn't using the proper safety equipment.

[annacnatorn]

Rule #1: If you have to tools to make your job easier, safer then use them

Rule #2: If the patient is a 1-2 person transfer, then get the extra person

Rule #3: Policies and Procedures are in place so the WE don't get hurt

So, I am assuming I am going to get flamed for this post, but that is ok. Having used the gait belt in this situation might not have changed the out come, but at least the CNA in question was following the policy. Especially if you have attended an IN-Service regarding transferring and use of a gait belt/transfer board then you are at fault for not using the required provided equipment, especially if the facility provided one for you and they have written proof that they did.

Remember, use the stuff that is provided for you to use, adhere to the policies and procedures, CP (Care Plan)..follow it..when in doubt about..ask for help/clarification....

I hope the injured CNA is doing better and has not suffered any long term issues.

WE, have only one body and when it is injured we can't do what we want to do. I know. I am one of the injured. I have not worked since Nov 09..It sucks. I've had lots of PT and still only 50%...I followed all procedures and used safety gear, yet I got hurt.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

Just out of curiosity, may I ask why?

It takes time that I don't feel that I have. If someone is using a grab bar to move from wheelchair to toilet, or if I'm transferring someone with another person, I usually don't use it. If I'm walking someone out in the hall then I'll use it. Or if I have someone who isn't too steady- but even then I'd rather get another person to help me.

[heron, ASN, RN]

Here's a second thought ... "write-ups" don't just happen as some kind of negative "ding" against a particular worker. Any happening that possibly injures a worker should be documented in an incident report. Otherwise the facility has no way of looking at systemic problems that might lead to injuries. I also think that it's necessary in order to claim workman's comp.

[CoffeemateCNA]

Here's a second thought ... "write-ups" don't just happen as some kind of negative "ding" against a particular worker. Any happening that possibly injures a worker should be documented in an incident report. Otherwise the facility has no way of looking at systemic problems that might lead to injuries. I also think that it's necessary in order to claim workman's comp.

I think Kohala is referring to a "notice of disciplinary action" rather than a plain incident report (the kind used to report a med error, etc.).

[CoffeemateCNA]

Just out of curiosity, may I ask why?

It takes time that I don't feel that I have. If someone is using a grab bar to move from wheelchair to toilet, or if I'm transferring someone with another person, I usually don't use it.

Unless loose ends are properly secured/tied, gait belts also tend to fall into the toilet and/or get BM all over them from the incontinent residents, depending on how big the mess is.

I used a brand new gait belt to transfer a resident with C. diff to the toilet. It blew out of the back of her pants all over my new belt. I just threw the whole belt away.