need help/tips for transfers and lifting

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I'm horrible at patient transfers, turning/lifting, etc. I've asked the PTs at work when they're helping me with a patient, if they have any advice, and all they say is "it's all about body mechanics". I've tried all the things they suggest - wide base of support, straight back, lift from the knees, etc. but it doesn't make a diffference. i'm 5'1" and 85-90 lbs and most patients are twice my size so that probably has something to do with it. I'm not even 30 and I go home after every shift with searing pain in my back. what other people describe as mod assist feels like max and then some to me.

Is there anything I can do to protect myself and/or be more effective at transfers? I feel like the CNAs hate me because I'm always asking for help with transfers and get comments like 'i usually can do this on my own', implying that i should be able to do it myself also.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I'm horrible at patient transfers turning/lifting, etc. I've asked the PTs at work when they're helping me with a patient, if they have any advice, and all they say is "it's all about body mechanics". I've tried all the things they suggest - wide base of support, straight back, lift from the knees, etc. but it doesn't make a diffference. i'm 5'1" and 85-90 lbs and most patients are twice my size so that probably has something to do with it. I'm not even 30 and I go home after every shift with searing pain in my back. what other people describe as mod assist feels like max and then some to me. Is there anything I can do to protect myself and/or be more effective at transfers? I feel like the CNAs hate me because I'm always asking for help with transfers and get comments like 'i usually can do this on my own', implying that i should be able to do it myself also.[/quote']

How about asking the PTs and CNAs to "show" you proper body mechanics?

Unless your job has given you extensive training on how to adequately move, I can see a true difficulty in learning the right placement of footing; however learn about centering your gravity is going to be something you need to be familiar with your own body.

Also, does your facility have assistive transfer devices-draw sheets, placing pt in trendelenberg before boosting pt; electing the pt to become involved (ie, bend their legs before boosting in bed, if possible) ergo slide, gait belt, lift devices...there are many ways to use these to help with transferring and positioning with pts. You back having "searing" pain is a huge red flag...get you nurse educator or the PT supervisor involved if needed to get some more familiarity and routine in learning how to transfer pts.

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

Do you not have a moving and handling rep in the ward?

Do you use slide sheets, lifting machines etc?

I have a yearly kpi to meet with all staff having a refresher of no lift techniques. Ask your manager for training

Also if there is a bariatric Pt on the ward we get OH&S up to a risk analysis. We have a culture of no lift on the ward that I developed after inheriting 3 staff on work cover from the previous manager who didn't care much for back safety

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How about core strengthening exercises?

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I do pretty good with the slide sheets… but not with the Lifting machines…. If I learn of any other ways… i will share.

Good Luck!!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

If you are transferring patients that need you to "lift" them then you should not be doing it by yourself anyways.You need either a second person or a lifting device

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no we don't have a lifting and handling rep. (I think that might be a hospital thing; i've never had one in any of the subacute facilities where i've worked). I'm not sure what an ergo slide is. we do have gait belts and draw sheets but they don't seem to make it any easier. maybe there's a specific technique to it that i don't know, or maybe they really don't make much of a difference. idk. i did ask my manager if we could set up some sort of training, but she said they don't have the time or money for that and "just get some help when you need it". I feel really bad asking the CNAs for help so often, because I know they have 2837469232 other things to do and way too many patients to attend to as it is.

one of my pts on friday was a guy who was almost 300 lbs and had taken a valium about 20 minutes ago, and i said to one of the techs that i am going to need some help getting him to the bathroom. he was just like 'you'll be fine; he's just mod assist". yeah that didn't go so well. thank God he didn't fall, but i ended up having to get help and the tech was ****** and kept rolling her eyes and my back and shoulders are still killing me today.

i'm thinking i'll try to look for some CE courses that deal with transfers/ergonomics and body mechanics. i don't plan on staying in nursing past the end of this year, but still - i want to get through this year without seriously injuring myself or having a patient fall during a transfer!

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If it makes you feel better I'm a overweight 5' 8 and struggle too. A lot of the aides at my work have been doing this for years and are very strong. Me not so much. I do what I can and that's it. I won't hurt myself trying to make a point.

You're short and thin...I'm not sure why your staff get mad. My only suggestion is to do what you can with easier residents.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You shouldn't be getting up a patient that just had Valium. That's not safe.

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Why are you lifting 300 lbs by yourself at all?! Crazy! And, on valium?

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...I'm not sure why your staff get mad.

because the patient-to-tech ratio is ridiculous and the CNAs never get a break. i get why they're annoyed - they're overwhelmed; i just wish they would not take their frustration out on me.

from experience, one thing that does help is taking the time to really instruct the patient on how to position themselves and/or use momentum so they can assist more with their own transfer or bed mobility. but that does take a lot of time because a lot of the patients who need the most physical help are also somewhat confused and/or don't have good motor planning. or the 'just do it for me' ones who don't want to be bothered with learning how to help transfer themselves.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
because the patient-to-tech ratio is ridiculous and the CNAs never get a break. i get why they're annoyed - they're overwhelmed; i just wish they would not take their frustration out on me. from experience, one thing that does help is taking the time to really instruct the patient on how to position themselves and/or use momentum so they can assist more with their own transfer or bed mobility. but that does take a lot of time because a lot of the patients who need the most physical help are also somewhat confused and/or don't have good motor planning. or the ****'just do it for me' ones who don't want to be bothered with learning how to help transfer themselves.***

Uh, sorry, I get my 'just do it for me' to do it for themselves; by telling them they are going to help; I don't give them a choice. :blink:

As for the CNAs; we work as a team with the similar assignment pts and we go in together and turn, change, etc...knock attitude of the park, since I became a nurse; been working for 8 years.

Get that spine strong, by being assertive and getting the job done and cheerleading your patients ON ; your back will thank you later. :yes:

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