Heavy patients

gwenith, BSN, RN · May 14, 2003

Actually short people have fewer back problems than tall people. IIF you have to lift always try to get someone around your own height and beleive me it is easier to find a fellow "shorty" than a "cloud walker".

Preferrably find an LTC that has a "No Lift" policy. This is the ONLY way to fly in nursing. Slide sheets/move tubes are marvellous and if used properly really protect you back.

I am amazed at how few places seemed to have gone to this system. It took off here in Australia as if reduces workers compensation claims and therefor reduces workers compensation premiums! (Save MONEY! Thats an easy sell to management)/ Apart form saving money it also helps reduce staff turnover by preventing if not outright injuries then sick leave from pure pysical fatigue.

CVnurse08 · May 14, 2003

Thanx again for your replies. I feel better about that now but now I am facing the issue of whether or not any nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or LTCs will hire a 16 year old CNA. I know none of the hospitals around here will hire you until you are 18. If you can get the certification at 16 surely there should be someone who will hire you ?!?! Anyone have any suggestions ?!!

FutureRNMichael · May 16, 2003

I was hired at 18 years old in an Assisted Living Facility without any prior experience. I think if you put out the right impression, they will not look at your age as a excuse.

My suggestion... Try working in an Assisted Living Fac. before jumping right into a Nursing home. The work is very different from what ive seen and been told. Nursing home your dealing with similar things to Assisted living except in a more intense manner.

Best wishes!!

Merry1 · May 16, 2003

I was a CNA for 13 years, just recently became a LPN, on my way to my RN(God willing). Back problems are common in this field of work but being short is not the cause. I am 5' 2" tall and a powerhouse of a woman(weight training and proper lifting technique). Know your limits and ask for help when needed even if it puts you behind a few minutes and this should protect your back for life. Team work in this field of work is essential, find a place that truely practices it if you can(sounds easy:)).

MelRN13 · May 16, 2003

I was a CNA for a long time before I went to nursing school, and I think that it's wonderful that you have these goals set out for yourself already.

Most facilities have lift training and back safety training. A new trend in my area are no-lift policies. These facilities use devices that can assist with patients who just need some support, and can totally lift a patient.

sassynurse78 · May 16, 2003

You can be a CNA! You will be suprised at what you can move! Nursing homes have policies in place to prevent injuries. I started at 17 as a CNA and loved it. But I will admit the first 2 months were very hard for me. I cried the first 3 weeks becuase I HATED IT. But after I toughed it out I began to love it, and went on with my goal to be a nurse. You will be suprised how much farther along it will put you in nursing school in the clinical setting. You will already be comfortable caring for people and it will make it easier to focus on your nursing procedures. At least it did me. Best of Luck to you.:)

Care Assistant · May 16, 2003

wanabebabynurse. I work with The Elderly in England. Here wea re known as Care Assistants. I have never had a problem with lifting/ hoisting the Elderly. Please don't be down heartened by what people have said to you. It isnt heard to lift / hoist. Where I work there are always 2 people to do this.

I will tell you of a personal experience I had some years ago. I was only doing work experience in Care Homes for the Elderly.

Not when I was working But Im broke my arm at the ELBOW, now I thought that cause of the job I wanted and how you lifted at the care homes I though I would never work with the Elderly again.

But I am now back in full time care for the Elderly doing the same as all the other carers. I now use that arm that I broke to lift with and slowely it is getting stronger the more I use it.

So I say go for the job that you want I have done and after what I went through with the break on my arm if I can do it anyone can.

Good Luck to you. Let us know how you get on.

Go for your job that you want I did and now I KNOW I was right to push ahead and carry on to get my dream job.