How're your backs doing guys?

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If the medical profession is anything like the manufacturing industry, not enough ergomic lifts are available. "Lift with your legs", lofl.

From reading male and female nurses comments both, back groans seem to resonate constantly. So if EVERYONE suffers, I would imagine the guys suffer more since 'they are better equiped naturally to do overload weight lifting exercises'. i.e. instead of getting 4 female nurses, one male back per few months (and then fire for some boneheaded HR excuse) may seem more economically feasible for the Bookkeeper.

Work physiology speaking, lifting 'live' loads that can move in an infinite span of directions and forces would be perhaps the WORST thing to lift per actual weight. Even thos portable lift devices seem like a hazzard to use after a few times: it may get better, but stooping, reaching, and trunk movement of handler and handled required! Add a little repetition and extreme back strain incidents every couple of days, and wallah, you are the patient. Just hope its not as an $11/hr CNA working on RN degree.

This is a serious concern the Female nurses know well how to avoid incidents. I'm a little surprised that there are no engineer work physiologists yet in persuit of RN goal has not yet contributed. If not, I don't mind, as I've measured every effect in milliseconds of any type manufacturing/industry operation including bicycling (very complex).

All operations effect different people differently, and must just know what are critical parameters (by filming operation). Judging by the fact that women live on the average significantly longer than men, we need to start thinking more with our heads and not by what 'Industry' tells us we should think! :banghead:

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

My back's doing great. My average pt weighs 2 pounds. The heaviest thing I have to lift is the IV pumps....

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I have noticed that 'most' back injuries result from bad lifting techniques. My back is fine after nearly 10 years of being a CNA. If you lift properly the chances of you hurting your back are minimal. Always get help if you need it and don't lift more than you can handle. Sure I can pick up a 300 pound resident but do I really want to??? Oh no.

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Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a deteriorating disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae. I have to be very careful about how I lift things. As long as I am careful, I have no problems.

Am I correct in assuming that during nursing school, they will teach the proper way to lift patients? And if I ask for help in lifting a heavier patient, can I expect that I will get it?

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I have noticed that 'most' back injuries result from bad lifting techniques. My back is fine after nearly 10 years of being a CNA. If you lift properly the chances of you hurting your back are minimal. Always get help if you need it and don't lift more than you can handle. Sure I can pick up a 300 pound resident but do I really want to??? Oh no.

I agree wholeheartedly. I've been doing the CNA job for about a year and a half and every time I've left with a sore back it's been from hurrying and using poor technique. I'm paid the same amount as other CNA's, if it takes them 2 for the lift, it's going to take me 2 also. It's safer for me and the resident.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I always ask for help, and I always use it....We have lifting pads..I tilt the bed up, and raise the feet...It makes it easier.

My back hurts after a few days in a row, but I exercise, stretch, and also play golf...so I can't tell if it's the work, or the golf...lol.

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Hey guys,

I was a desk jockey for 15 years, poor exercise habits but not overweight or anything. I got a back spasm in clinical the other week, and then I felt warning signs again the other day. I looked up back stretches and strengthening exercises, but I"m seriously worried I made a bad choice in going into nursing! My instructor even took me aside and advised I stay away from jobs with heavy lifting! I am thinking of sticking it out for the rest of the semester and seeing how it goes. Maybe I'd make a better Physician's Assistant or something.

I don't even know what I'm asking here, but any comments on the situation would be welcome.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I would go with the exercise/stretching, and using help/lifts as much as possible. While it looks bad to sit...realize you will mainly be on your feet for most of a 12 hr shift....and there is a lot of reaching/twisting/etc....so use good movements and always think about what you're doing.

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Hey guys,

I was a desk jockey for 15 years, poor exercise habits but not overweight or anything. I got a back spasm in clinical the other week, and then I felt warning signs again the other day. I looked up back stretches and strengthening exercises, but I"m seriously worried I made a bad choice in going into nursing! My instructor even took me aside and advised I stay away from jobs with heavy lifting! I am thinking of sticking it out for the rest of the semester and seeing how it goes. Maybe I'd make a better Physician's Assistant or something.

I don't even know what I'm asking here, but any comments on the situation would be welcome.

Hang in there ...there are plenty of jobs for nurses that don't require lifting. I've been an LPN for many years, worked one year ICU then took an office job. Now in a LPN-RN bridge program and when I'm done will seek employment in areas where lifting is not required. There are so many opportunities: school nurse, public health nurse, insurance companies, many types of clinics, etc.....

The possibilities are many.

It's also good to have a regular exercise program...keeps you flexible and strong. Take a look at Thai Chi, yoga, or swimming ... exercise doesn't always mean being a weight lifter or long distance runner. Start an exercise program slowly and be faithful to it.

Be careful lifting in clinicals, and ALWAYS get help when needed. No heroics!! You can make it through clinicals ..... hang in there and good luck to you :wink2:

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So far, so good.

Can't last forever though.

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Specializes in mis-information :p.

Still hangin in there.

Hopefully will be in good shape until i enjoy my grand kids. :)

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Specializes in Emergency.

Not good, I am in PT right now for a back problem (possible disc problem) I was lifting weights correctly and exercising but the inevitable happened...

I hope i get this sorted out by the time I am an RN. I have 1.5 years of school to go.... wish me luck

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