How should a petite girl prepare for lifting pts?

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Im a petite girl starting my nursing program this fall. My mom thinks I need to lift weights to prepare. Should I get a trainer or what?

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Lol. Nothing wrong with hitting the gym n building up a lil strength but if a patient is too heavy you can just get help from a big strong fella like me or you can even switch patients with a co worker. But yes it is good to workout but I don't think u need to hire a trainer

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I agree ^^

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I'm somewhat petite too, about 110, 5'3". If you are worried I would start a routine to build up your strength. Strength training with work out videos (I'm doing Insanity) or anything really will help. I haven't put on a lot of muscle, but my core is stronger and my muscles are more tone/flexible, and mainly my body is responding better to lifting things at home. I get called to carry my grandma when she needs picking up, and I can even carry my 150lb husband off the ground and I don't feel like I will injure myself anymore! Eat healthy, stay fit, and exercise regularly. The main thing is to not hurt yourself if you have to be on your feet all day or carry or move things. But definitely don't need a trainer. A class might be fun though.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You shouldn't be lifting patients to begin with.If they are that heavy you get a mechanical lift.If they are really big and you need help rolling them you get help.I had one patient that was a 4 person roll in bed and a mechanical lift.Take care of your back and don't try to lift someone. If they can't do it themselves you are not going to be doing it for them.Same goes for getting up to a standing position. Don't let them pull on you or expect you to pull them to a standing position.

Don't let the facility you are working at make you feel like you are doing the wrong thing by asking for help. Generally they don't really care if you get hurt.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

Get those thighs in shape! I don't think a trainer is necessary, and as the pp stated, you really shouldn't be doing an heavy "lifting." Use lifts and as much help as you need and, of course, proper body mechanics! You should learn all that good stuff in NS.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I am 5'4 and 108-110 pounds and have no issues with helping patients change positions. You will learn in your first semester how to properly move your patients without hurting yourself. Always bend with your knees and use your leg muscles-never the back muscles! I wouldn't worry about it. Every time I have moved a patient up in bed or something, I've always had assistance. Never try to move a patient if you don't feel comfortable doing it by yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help. Patient safety is a priority!

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I'm 5 feet and 95 lbs. been lifting patients on my own for 10 years. You'll gain the strength from just lifting patients with other cna's. those pt's Can be DEAD WEIGHT. lol

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Lately I have been asking myself the same question. So my hubby and I bought bikes recently and my thighs are definitely getting a work out! The bike was about $160 at Walmart and that's a better investment than a trainer. LOL.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

PLEASE DON'T LIFT. Loriangel has provided excellent advice. There is no "safe" way to lift the average human being... they are unpredictable and frequently uncooperative unlike the boxes that are traditionally used to measure safe lifting limits. FYI, current OSHA recommendations are for lifting no more than 35 lbs.

Always use a mechanical lift. If your employer does not provide them, this is a huge red flag & very powerful message about how they disregard employee health and safety.

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Specializes in Adult Nurse Practitioner.

Depending on the patient's need for lifting, you can really hurt yourself. I wound up losing 2 discs from a patient lifting experience! I would suggest working with PT about good body mechanics and tools to assist. The use of lift devices and asking for help will be vital to saving your back. As many have pointed out, your strength will grow as you continue to work. I can remember being able to arm wrestle a full grown man when I weighed 95 pounds and give him a run for his money!

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Don't they teach you to not lift over a certain weight? Also - lift CORRECTLY and you'll have nothing to worry about.

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