How physically demanding is NICU - back pain remedies?

[sjk]

Hi everyone, I'm not a nurse yet but I want to work in NICU some day. I just had my first shift as a CNA in an SNF and had excruciating back pain by the middle of my shift. I've always had minor discomfort since I got my epidural 2.5 years ago, but I can usually get away with bending down and cleaning. I worked previously at Amazon and fast food and the pain was never this bad, and I honestly didn't think lifting residents was that much harder than anything I've done before. I did adjust the bed height and lifted with my legs, so I'm pretty sure I didn't sustain a new injury. I felt really depressed after this shift because I enjoyed it and learned a lot, but I don't think my body can handle doing this all the time for 8+ hours. So my questions are: how strenuous is working in the NICU? If you have similar back pain, how do you deal with it and does it get better over time? What are methods you use to strengthen your back muscles? Additionally, does anyone have recommendations for what other kinds of facilities/specialties I can look for as a CNA that wouldn't be as physically demanding as SNF? Preferably something similar to NICU.

I know nursing in general is very demanding, so I don't want to give up or avoid experience just because I'm experiencing back pain but I also don't want to put myself through hell. I actually have so much more respect for what healthcare workers do now, and they are definitely underappreciated. I'd appreciate any advice or insight. Thank you in advance!

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

It's not really. Beyond the normal stresses of standing, walking, and sitting (which any could cause problems when not done properly or when not properly supported), it's nowhere close to the amount of strain incurred with adults. The majority of your patients can be lifted with one hand.

Depending on how the unit functions, you may occasionally have to push a warmer or incubator. They are kind of heavy, but they rolled.

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

Do not fool around when it comes to your back. Due to some car accidents and vigorous exercise my back locked up,sciatica began, ....I saw MD,and orthopedist, followed their recommendations,special back exercises,chiro til I  felt better. posture correction,stopped trying to be superwoman lifter,changed my underwear for support until I felt better,stronger abs..you must stay on top of it. always.

Nicu can be very demanding physically combined with tight stressed muscles back and neck so self care  is important. Heavy equipment needs to be moved but ask for help.I refused to move heavy stuff alone,one monitor weighs appx 25 lbs. so shoulders  wrists and back are vulnerable.some babies are full term ,chunky 10 lbs or more,you lift and move them hundreds of times per shift.keep your weight reasonable.

hope this helps,good luck.

 

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

On 7/5/2021 at 10:59 AM, NICUmiiki said:

Depending on how the unit functions, you may occasionally have to push a warmer or incubator. They are kind of heavy, but they rolled

Wow that must be some kind of luxury unit,"occasionally"LOL,Try 12 hours of bedside 3 to one ,getting warmers in place,going to LD bring heavy box of emergency meds,going to CT scan with monitor  the portable one,IV poles,IV pumps,portable incubator with wheels that have not been greased in eons,pushing into the elevator  threshold in and out,bending all over to find outlets for all your equipment while you wait on your feet,yes LOL occasionally.LOL LOL

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

I'm going to put this out there as well: just because you want NICU, there is no guarantee that you'll start there, it's a popular specialty along with all mom/baby related. Some don't hire new grads, and those that do often have less openings than applicants. You may have to start in an adult setting. I'm not trying to dissuade you, just stating some facts. My advice would be to discuss with your doctor to determine if nursing is the best option for you, then PT and OT to determine what you need to do to best care for yourself. Good luck on your journey

[BookishNurse]

I've been a NICU nurse for 7 years and in the last year or so have been having a lot of back pain. I think it depends on your pain. I’m fine standing and sitting but what really has been aggravating it lately is having to constantly pick up kids to feed. If I have 3 kids and they eat every 3 hours I’m constantly picking up from a crib or isolette and then putting them back. That motion has been really hard for me. Plus my shift has to weigh the babies so that’s added strain. It doesn’t seem like a lot but after an entire 12 hour shift of doing it, it does add up. 

[londonflo]

On 7/24/2021 at 12:08 AM, Leader25 said:

IV pumps,portable incubator with wheels that have not been greased in eons

KY jelly is a quick solution, otherwise send it down to the medical equipment department.  

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

On 8/24/2021 at 11:29 AM, londonflo said:

KY jelly is a quick solution, otherwise send it down to the medical equipment department.  

You can not use whatever you want for grease,you must consider also flamability,just like purell  hanging near outlets were a hazard.Sending down to medical equipment means the unit will not have any transporter available for an undetermined amount of time.

There are several layers of thought to be considered when trying to protect your back,our unit does not allow staff to "fix" equipment ourselves, even simple stuff like changing the bulb in  a phototherapy blanket, like we did years ago.