Will every CNA get injured at one point?

[PrettyNerd, CNA, LPN, LVN]

Hi everyone!

Ok I always hear (here at AN) that someone has or has had a work related injury from lifting, turning or doing something at work. At the ALF I work there's also people who have back problems. Ok, well I am one of those people (maybe all of us are like this) that have a fear of getting hurt/ injured . I try to always be careful and always ask someone to help me if I don't feel comfortable doing something by myself. I'm 25 and I am very into health/fitness and taking care of my body, I workout a lot, I just want to be strong and healthy and I am way too young to get hurt or have an injury that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am just really trying to avoid anything that will hurt me but is that even possible or will I eventually get injured? Any tips for staying strong at work and prevent injuries? Is just asking for help enough?

Thanks.

[mineSgold]

Use the thing you learned from school correct body position or body mechanic; do not transfer the super heavy resident by yourself make sure ask another CNA for help and use hoyer. And adjust the bed position if it to low for your body.:)

[MBrickle]

As some who ruptured a disc 6 months in and who still can't feel the back of her left leg: 1) lift weights! Strengthen your core and arms so they can bare the brunt of lifting and also do lifts to work out your back for overall strength as well. 2) and this is huge: ALWAYS, ALWAYS make sure your hips are forward and in a neutral position prior to lifting. Lifting while twisting, to any extent is the kiss of death for your back.

[Missingyou, CNA]

There is always the chance...but if you take care of yourself and pay attention to how you move and lift, the chances are much less.

I can't tell you how many times I see the younger CNA's on my unit bending over a bed to change a resident. They don't raise the bed because "it takes too much time, and my back is fine!"". It is these small things that add up. If you neglect the small things like raising the bed EVERY SINGLE TIME you provide care, you are slowly wearing out your back and it WILL catch up to you.

[betm, CNA]

There is always the chance, but it is not definite that you will get injured. Practice good lifting and body mechanics. The only injury I have had was falling on the ice outside of my facility last January, and that was not serious. Just some bruises. I was taking the trash out to the dumpster at the end of my shift, I was rushed after a long and frustrating NOC shift, I wasn't paying attention and I fell. I've also burned my hand in the kitchen (NOC CNAs have light baking duties during the shift at my old facility) while making delicious, delicious brownies for the residents. I did have to go to the urgent care after my fall per the facility's policy (I did smack my head--I insisted it was fine, just a blooming headache, but they said I had to be checked for a minor concussion, which I did not have), but I was still allowed to drive myself ten miles to do so. It was no biggie.