Back injuries in Nurses

RNonsense · Mar 11, 2003

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 · Mar 11, 2003

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 · Mar 11, 2003

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 · Mar 11, 2003

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

Tidajama · Mar 11, 2003

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 · Mar 11, 2003

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

sjoe · Mar 11, 2003

"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 · Mar 11, 2003

Thank you for the article P_RN.

mattsmom81 · Mar 12, 2003

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

Great article PRN. :)

Disablednurse · Mar 12, 2003

Yes, I have a lawyer and he is good. HE is taking care of all that for me. My doctor is fully backing me up. They have turned me down a second time, but my lawyer said don't give up. Just keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

deespoohbear · Mar 12, 2003

I have injured my back on the job too. It sucks. Fortunately mine was just a muscle sprain and after a few days of NSAIDS, pain killers and taking it easy the back got better. I did learn one thing from that experience. Employee health is a joke. Next time I will just keep my mouth shut and go to my own doc. :rolleyes:

We do have a lift at our facility, but the CNA's don't want to bother with using it. They say it is quicker to just lift the patient. That might be true but is sure doesn't save me any time when I tear out my back. Plus our ever money conscience (lookout for the spelling/grammar police :cool: ) administration decided that the lift could be shared between our floor and the skilled care unit one floor beneath us. That is real convienent.... :rolleyes: If I am going to be involved with lifting someone who cannot help I insist on the CNA's getting the lift. I am not tearing out my back. I am only in my 30's and I will probably need my back for a long time to come (I hope).