heavy lifting

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im going to be entering the program this fall, and i was wondering how much lifting nurses have to do in comparison to CNAs? I worked as a CNA at a LTC and it was all lifting every patient, is this how it is at a hospital as a nurse?

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im going to be entering the program this fall, and i was wondering how much lifting nurses have to do in comparison to CNAs? I worked as a CNA at a LTC and it was all lifting every patient, is this how it is at a hospital as a nurse?

anyone?

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Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).

I work nights on a neuro/neurosurg floor. The lifting is about the same for nurses and aides. Many pts with impaired mobility + not a lot of extra staff. Sometimes a couple of aides can work together on baths, toileting, etc. Sometimes it takes a couple of aides and a couple of nurses. Sometimes its just quicker to grab another nurse. Most of us work together well enough that it isn't a big problem, but yes, there is definitely a physical element to our job.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

I do plenty of heavy lifting

good for my golf game

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but how does it compare cna lifting? I worked in a nursing home and all it was was lifting patients prob at least 10-15 every day

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.
but how does it compare cna lifting? I worked in a nursing home and all it was was lifting patients prob at least 10-15 every day

Do CNAs lift differently

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Yes heavy lifting is the same...... or you could be like me and work in the NICU, where the IV pumps weigh more than the pts....

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i know how you feel. I'm starting RN school august 20th but was working in a LTC as a CNA. I'm the only male so I always get called upon to lift patients. During my first week I thought I could move a patient up on the bed by myself and hurt my back. I forgot how dead weight can feel. Now I always get someone to help me lift patients. Just because I'm a male doesnt' mean that I can lift 200 lbs of dead weight. My back is not worth my job.

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guess my question was unclear, while i was in a nursing home all i did was lift patients and clean asses

my question is how much lifting is involved as an RN? ive only worked long term care and nurses do not do any lifting there

i was wondering if it is the same at a hospital where nurses also dont do any lifting?

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Specializes in Medic, ER, Flight, ICU, Onc.

Just like everything else, depends on your specialty. ICU pts have to be lifted and turned every 2 hrs and we frequently don't have a tech, or the tech is busy. Even if we do have a tech, it's a 2 person job, minimum. Frequently 3 or 4 person. And if they are on certain antibiotics or tube feeding with a low albumin then it's a lot more often. For the most part, med surg pts just need an assist, but you have a lot more pts on med surg, so it balances out, kind of...

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thanks for all your answers guys

wish me luck in nursing school this fall

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Hello nads;

I would say the nurses at your LTC facility have taken advantage of you if they are never available to help with the lifting or turning of patients. Here, it is part of everyone's job to assist with that type of activity.

Good luck with nursing school. Keep us posted on your progress.

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