[P_RN]

I don't usually read the AJN....long story, but the Feb issue has a fantastic CE on Myths and Facts about back injuries. "Been there done that.....still wearing the t shirt....."

Anyway it's online at

http://www.nursingcenter.com/library...e_ID=403349%20

[RNonsense]

Interesting article...one of the new LTC facilities in my town has these types of ceiling lifts and the LTCA's are finding it harder to work with and more injuries caused from it. Apparently it's considerably more effort to get the resident out of bed...on to the commode...then into the w/c...
I haven't used one personally though!

[cactus wren]

Interesting article..Thanks...I have been lucky, back is still working, and pain free. Have many friends who haven`t been so lucky. But, I did manage to tear my knee up...can`t spell that word...don`t want the spelling police after me, so will leave it at that.

[Disablednurse]

I am a nurse of 25 years now having to apply for disability r/t back problems. My doctor told me no more nursing and at the point that I am now I am unable to work because of back pain, inability to stand/sit for more than 20 minutes and meds that I take for back pain. I always thought I took care to get help with lifting, etc, but obviously not. Back injury was not per se a work related injury (workers comp) but all I have ever done is nursing, mostly floor work. I went into nursing at age 18.

[RNonsense]

So, disablednurse...essentially you're saying WCB turned you down? Are you appealing??

[Tidajama]

A nurse that has a back injury is just sunk. I hurt my back a year ago and had fusion with rods and cages. Went to PT and they done spinal manipulation and messed it all up. now I couldnt pay someone to give me a job. not to mention the fact that the pain is there 24-7 and there is nothing that can help. My prayers go out to anyone that has a back injury....

[RNonsense]

Me too. I've been lucky so far...

[sjoe]

"A nurse that has a back injury is just sunk."

You're right. No employer wants to take the risk--particularly for an easily-replaced commodity like a nurse.

My advice: If you sustain a back injury, do all you can to keep any prospective employers from finding out about it, or you'll likely never get another job. Employers tend to "chew you up and spit you out."


But so far as complaints about these lifts are concerned--it couldn't be very bad, as the nurses in these photos are ALL smiling.

[kids]

Thank you for the article P_RN.

[mattsmom81]

Wow. 87% of nurses report a back injury at some time in their career. That is an amazing statistic.

Great article PRN.