Hands around neck when moving

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 11, 2014

I'm not a CNA, but as an RN, I'd suggest if you did allow it you can expect a nice WC injury to follow. At no point in my schooling were we ever allowed to have a patient put their hands anywhere on us, period. When transferring, it's usually best to have them keep their hands tucked onto their chests, so they don't get "caught" on anything; the exact arm/hand positions would depend on where you were moving them from and to.

Nope, don't let anyone hang on you like a coathook, unless you LIKE cervical sprains.

tnicnat · May 11, 2014

No, not around the neck at all....when you are in the position to move a patient/resident, have the patient but their hands on your shoulders or upper arms. Use your gait belt , then rock them a bit and move them. Only to the side not full around if possible. So make sure your positioned correctly. Hope this helps some.

hypha · May 12, 2014

Ha yes sorry meant on shoulders not around neck!

I am hearing recommendations for both no contact from patient when helping up and contact around shoulders. It doesn't specify in the NC CNA manual so I guess it doesn't matter for the exam?

Missingyou, CNA · May 12, 2014

In my CNA class we were trained to have the resident (if they were in a sitting position & transferring) put their arms around our neck. We were told NOT to do this if they were lying in bed and you were repositioning them.

I personally do NOT let residents put their arms/hands around my neck when tranferring. I have them put their hands around my upper shoulders or back or hold onto my upper arms.

I've learned the hard way! Residents who are not "alert" enough will sometimes dig their nails in or pull hair when they feel their bottons leave the chair. :yawn:

Penholder · May 13, 2014

NO!!!

i have used the shoulders if height was a issue (once or twice in 10 years). A safer option is to use 2 gait belts. One around them and one around you. Have them grasp the gait belt.

The the best yet though is to use a walker and have them stand pivot.

blondebabe0625 · May 14, 2014

Absolutely not! Use a Gait belt and have them hold your sides

verene, MSN · May 19, 2014

At my training we were told to NEVER let the patient grab on to your neck/shoulders/upper arms because they can easily pull you over or inadvertently injure you. We were taught to have the patient "give themselves a hug" and cross their arms over their chest. It keeps their extremities from getting caught on anything while you are moving and allows you easy access to the gait belt.

The only time I've let resident grab on to my arm is when they just need a hand for a balance point while they stand, but can do all the lifting of body weight themselves.