[Butterfly Needle]

Hello,
This is my first post. I'm glad I found this site. I just got accepted into a nursing program and the only thing that is left to do is to take a required CNA course. Well, recently i hurt my back by picking up my child. I got a small herniation that is manageable. I do work in a doctor's office right now, and I love it. I worked hard to get into the program and to realize my dream of becoming a nurse. I know I have to be careful about lifting, and bedside nursing probably is not for me, but there is so many other opportunities in this field. For now I have to get through CNA clinicals. That really scares me as far as lifting. The program policy requires no restrictions. I need advice as far as choosing location for my clinicals. I have options between AM and PM nursing homes or AM and PM hospital shifts. What would you recommend to be the least physical?
Thank you for all that will reply, and Happy Valentine's day.

[Piki]

Both settings are going to be extremely physical. What may be different is that at the nursing home there is lift equipment available (Hoyers, etc) while at the hospital (at least in my experience) there usually isn't lift equipment on the floor. But you would never be expected to lift anyone by yourself - lifting safely should require at least 2 people.

Good luck. I had to take a CNA program as well to even apply to the nursing program.

[HM2Viking]

Have you done physical therapy for your back?

Yoga or Pilates can also help with core body strength which will help protect your back.

My experience in clinical was that people were more than willing to help with lifting because of the common knowledge that nursing can be hard on your back.

The CNA course will emphasize safe lifting techniques.

[kythe]

In my program, CNA skills were taught but not emphasized. First, we learned skills such as rolling and lifting properly with mannequins in the lab. We are supposed to practice these skills in the clinical setting as we did our LTC rotation, but many people did a minimal amount of lifting. A common attitude is that it isn't a skill we would use much as nurses in the field, so it didn't matter as long as you skim through clinicals. My job requires me to frequently help the aide with lifting and moving bed-ridden patients. Personally, I'm glad I learned those skills.

I have an old back injury from a car accident a few years ago. Regular chiropractic care has helped immensely in keeping my spine aligned. I've also been known to get an occasional massage (some people use massage therapy on a regular basis, and may even get their insurance to pay for it). You are less likely to acquire new injuries if you can keep your muscles relaxed rather than being too rigid. I also weight lift at a gym in order to keep my body strong. It may not seem related, but it does help to stay in shape to keep your body working at its peak.

[Butterfly Needle]

Dear Piki, HM2Viking and Kythe,
Thank you very much for your replies. I'm going to try to get into a pm clinicals at the closest hospital. I'm hoping that pm's are less hectic(from 4 to 10.30) than the mornings. I appreciate all words of wisdom.
If there is anything else that you could advise me on regarding this course, I would love to hear from you.
Thanks

[swee2000]

Originally Posted by Piki

What may be different is that at the nursing home there is lift equipment available (Hoyers, etc) while at the hospital (at least in my experience) there usually isn't lift equipment on the floor.

Not to dispute Piki's comments above, but I wanted to mention that I work on a Med/Surg unit at a hospital and there are several different types of lift equipment machines, including 2 bariatric ceiling lifts(built right into the "bariatric" rooms), kept on our unit & available for use at any time. In fact, I'm on the "Safe Patient Lifting & Handling" committee and we encourage the use of this equipment as much as possible &/or when appropriate in order to maintain safety for both patients & staff.