need help/tips for transfers and lifting

[ceccia]

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.

[loriangel14, RN]

You have to tell those patients that can do it themselves that you are not going to lift them. As for moving in bed I put the bed flat, take away the pillow, tell the person to bed their knees.While I hold their feet I tell them to push themselves up.

I wouldn't care if the others got mad. If you need help you need help.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Although it is important to understand the basics of good body mechanics, there is NO WAY to lift adult patients safely without mechanical lift devices. OSHA has a ton of information on back safety in general, and safe patient handling as well. Here is an online course Back Safety Course Menu They also have a wealth of resources available - here's a good place to start https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthcarefacilities/safepatienthandling.html

According to current evidence, "lift limits" for back safety should be 35 lbs. And this is based upon static (non moving) loads with handles... certainly not patients who move unexpectedly and don't have convenient handles at all - LOL. Many states have already passed legislation which mandates safe patient handling - if your state has done so, take a look at the regulations.

Don't buy into the myth. Nurses are not super-human. We deserve protection from back injuries, needle-sticks, fatigue-inducing schedules, toxins, exposure to patient violence, etc. Back injuries are not caused by lack of nursing skill, they are caused by lack of proper lifting equipment.