I have noticed that in several LTC facilities in my area, nurses and aides rarely use transfer belts. They use them if someone is a heavy lift, but not with lighter transfer assists. I was taught that transfer belts should always be used.
Is not using belts a common practice?
This would make me uneasy from a safety standpoint and also a legal one. If someone falls during an assisted transfer and gets hurt, wouldn't the staff involved be considered negligent if they weren't using a belt?
Any input would be appreciated. I am looking for a staff nurse job in LTC and this is really bugging me.
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
There is a big difference between AL and nursing home care, but even in an AL the residents have care plans and some I'm sure would benefit from the use of a gait belt. Good for you for wanting to keep them and yourself safe. As to the other poster who is 'going to DEMAND....' good luck with that. Demands don't usually get you too far without something clinical to back them up.
The policy where I work is that any transfer where you have to put your hands on the resident, a belt should be used (unless of course they are using a mechnical lift). However, it doesn't happen that way.
I work at an ALF that requires gait belts for all transfers. All caregiving staff are supposed to wear one at all times. I've never used one (in school, I learned what I call the "bear hug" method), so I don't use it. There is supposed to be a gait belt inservice in a few weeks.
CapeCodMermaid, RN
6,092 Posts
There is a big difference between AL and nursing home care, but even in an AL the residents have care plans and some I'm sure would benefit from the use of a gait belt. Good for you for wanting to keep them and yourself safe. As to the other poster who is 'going to DEMAND....' good luck with that. Demands don't usually get you too far without something clinical to back them up.