I worked as an aid in the hospital for 4 yrs and loved it. To me it wasn't bad on the back and neck. unless you don't use proper body mechanics you should be fine. I worked in med surge so thats all i know about. NOW, nursing home is a different story. I'm nurse at a nursing home, I wouldn't be a cna at a nursing home if they paid 50.00 an hour. That is some back breaking work. Those poor aids have far to many residents to care for. I'm there to help them when ever they need though.