Do CRNA's need to do any lifting or moving patients?

Bluebolt · Jul 4, 2019

In the last two years, I don't think I've ever moved anything on a regular basis other than the head/neck. If I'm trying to be an overachiever when the scrub techs and circulators grab both sides of the torso and lower body I'll stick my hands under the shoulders to move from the OR table to the stretcher. I try to be a team player.

loveanesthesia · Jul 4, 2019

Hospitals are implementing strategies to reduce lifting. Heavy patients are placed on a specific type of inflatable sheet (can’t remember the name right now). Once ‘blown up’ it’s much easier to move the patient from bed to bed. The transport carts are now motorized so staff don’t have to push pull the cart.

If it’s just your back you should be fine with using good body mechanics. But anesthesia is somewhat physically demanding. Must be mobile and stand for a long periods of time in some situations. You have to reach over your head and bend to pick things up.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 4, 2019

3 hours ago, loveanesthesia said:
inflatable sheet (can’t remember the name right now)

HoverMat.

I would say it depends on the facility and type of surgery. We don't use HoverMats, but do use other friction reducing devices. Anesthesia is responsible for the head and neck when positioning. If they happen to be extra hands, several of the ones who are well known as being "team players" will step into rooms that aren't where they are assigned to assist the other team members. I've even had some push me aside and say they'd help position because they're "stronger" which I won't argue.

guest769224 · Jul 6, 2019

On 7/4/2019 at 7:50 AM, loveanesthesia said:
Must be mobile and stand for a long periods of time in some situations.

What would require an anesthetist to stand for long periods of time if I may ask?

subee, MSN, CRNA · Jul 7, 2019

GI lab doing 14-15 upper endoscopies in a row...on 300 lb plus patients having their gastric bx. before bariatric surgery. Holding mandibles as large as a hog's.

You hear more blood in the sx's suction. Have to stand up and keep your eyes over the drapes to see if surgeon is getting control of the bleeding.

loveanesthesia · Jul 7, 2019

14 hours ago, subee said:
GI lab doing 14-15 upper endoscopies in a row...on 300 lb plus patients having their gastric bx. before bariatric surgery. Holding mandibles as large as a hog's.

Exactly! Sedation cases where you need to hold the airway. Sometimes your body position can be very awkward because you have to stay out of the way of the procedure. Also complex cases where there’s a lot going on, you can be on your feet for 8 hours before you know it.

DreameRN, BSN · Jul 7, 2019

I can tell you just from being in clinical for about 2 months, that you will be on your feet a decent amount, depending on the day. Sometimes there will be a long 4-5 hour case that is stable and you can sit the majority. But there are also days when you have back to back cases that are only an hour, or a little longer, and much of that is spent on your feet. I had a day of back to back cystos once that I think I was standing the majority of the 11 hour day and my feet ached and my back killed. When I have been in CV or GI labs, often times I'm bent over giving a jaw thrust to keep the airway open and allowing them to exchange, for 30, 45, 60 minutes, depending on the procedure and the speed the doc does it with. This is also lead to a achy back.

Also, I have found that as I am learning, and gauging my anesthesia, it is helpful and prudent to watch the surgery to try to get a timeframe for what the surgeons are doing, when the stimulation is going to come, how close they are to finishing, as that all has implications to what I need to do with my gases and meds and there is no other way to know other than look/watch over the drape.

Just some $.02 from my limited experience that I've had thus far, hope it helps!

subee, MSN, CRNA · Jul 10, 2019

And don't forget the joy of wearing lead for 8 hours in a row. Only one doc I worked with, a pain doc, would break the room 20 minutes for lunch. Also, transferring huge intubated patients to their bed with an anesthesia machine preventing use of body mechanics. No, very bad career for someone to go into with a bad back before he/she even starts.