Safety Question - Nurses rights

[Wends1984]

I work for a non-profit LTC facility as a CNA. the nurse manager insists that I alone should be able to handle a 400 lb patient using a saralift to take her to the bathroom. I used a bed pan but she was offended and insisted we can't use that anymore. In her defense, she is going to show me a training video and will allow some time for practice.

I'm in nursing school and i'm concerned that handling a heavy person by myself will cause me to hurt my back before I have a chance to start my career.

What are my rights if I refuse to handle this heavy patient by myself? Can they fire me or do they have to work with me? I would think it would be in their best interest that we are safe and look for alternative ways to avoid hurting ourselves on the job.

Is there any documentation that I can refer to when she confronts me the next time I see her?

Any advise would be appreciated.

[nursejoy1, ASN, RN]

At my facility it is the policy that for patient and employee safety- there will ALWAYS be 2 persons using a lift. ALWAYS. No exceptions. Using a lift alone is not safe procedure in my opinion.

[blondnursey]

i agree that you should have 2 people using the lift with a person of that size...esp if the pt would feel more comfortable that way (hint hint).....

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

Dangerous not only for you but for the pt also. That size patient should never have any less then 2 people for a hoyer lift and 3-4 for blanket lift. Appears you facility doesnt mind compensation claims then lol. No wonder we have the highest rate of back injuries than anyone else in the world. I would present a written statement with the reseach. Also check you Procedure/Protocal as if not one written then there needs to be just for the fact of risk management. Do you have a Risk Manager at your facility? If so then thats the person to see before you get hurts as she could be your advocate

[Zookeeper3]

The reason you need two people for a lift is that person one manns the lift and the equiptment ensuring safety. The second person monitors the patient through the lift and release proceedure for safety. one person, regardless of the patient weight can't be in both rolls. Pull up the manufactures info on the internet and see what their recommendations are. You may also ask to see the written facility policy on it which should be part of any training check off for equipment.

[CASTLEGATES]

ditto. ask for policy on lift use. 400 pounds is no biggie. I've done bed to chair when both were close but bathroom is too far alone. Technically none should be alone ever and policy should back you up.

Don't refuse, just drop the patient and the both of you can file a suit (lol)...restroom is too much for one unless you low ride em close to the ground so they don't have far to fall :lol_hitti

Personally I stopped playing with safety when I saw a patient fall onto the floor on his face (who was on a vent) with a nurse using a hoist alone. We thought he broke his nose; luckily we had him snowed; it's was an ugly crack sound-never forget it. :grn:Luckily she got canned a few months later for administering a med not ordered then criticizing the doc for not ordering it after he said specifically NO!:vlin:

If they don't have a policy, ask the company or whoever your rep is how many are needed.

[nursel56]

ditto. ask for policy on lift use. 400 pounds is no biggie. I've done bed to chair when both were close but bathroom is too far alone. Technically none should be alone ever and policy should back you up.

Don't refuse, just drop the patient and the both of you can file a suit (lol)...restroom is too much for one unless you low ride em close to the ground so they don't have far to fall :lol_hitti

Personally I stopped playing with safety when I saw a patient fall onto the floor on his face (who was on a vent) with a nurse using a hoist alone. We thought he broke his nose; luckily we had him snowed; it's was an ugly crack sound-never forget it. :grn:Luckily she got canned a few months later for administering a med not ordered then criticizing the doc for not ordering it after he said specifically NO!:vlin:

If they don't have a policy, ask the company or whoever your rep is how many are needed.

Yep, that'll do it. People. Never cease to amaze.

[litbitblack, ASN, RN]

I would tell her when she successfully does it by herself then I will think about it lol. Its your back not hers. And look at the safety of the pt. but then Dont they have the right to fall....just kidding

[Music in My Heart]

What are my rights if I refuse to handle this heavy patient by myself? Can they fire me or do they have to work with me?

If you are an at-will employee (and if you're not a union member then you almost certainly are) then you can be terminated without notice for no reason at all. In other words, yes... they can fire you if you refuse (though they may not say that's why they're firing you).

You are correct, though, that it's in their best interest to work with you to keep both you and the bariatric resident safe. They do have the legal responsibility to provide a safe workplace.

[chare]

you should have received training on your facility's lift devices during your orientation prior to being expected to use them. if you did not, do not use them. if you have not been properly trained on the use of these devices this increases the likelihood of a mishap in which either you and/or the patient can be injured. also, if there is an incident and you are using equipment you have not been trained on, then you are setting yourself up for a huge liability.

the sara series consists of three devices. information on these devices, as well as other standing and raising aids can be found at their arjo - lifting & transfers web page. the sara series of lifters are designed to assist you in lifting a patient from the sitting to standing position. if used for this purpose, then you can safely use this device by yourself to assist the patient. if the patient is not able to move themselves to the sitting position, or is in any other position then this is not the device that you should be using. if you have specific questions about which device is appropriate for which patient, arjo lists patient characteristics for each of their devices at their mobility gallery web-page.

i was able to find the operating and product care instructions for the sara 3000. although there are differences between the three devices, the principles of operation are similar. however, reviewing this information does not alleviate your facility's responsibility to train you on the specific device that they use. it is still their responsibility to ensure that you have been appropriately trained and educated on any equipment they require/expect you to use.

i am greatly concerned about your manager's obvious lack of support for creating a safe patient handling environment. he/she should not be "going to show" you a training video, this, as well as hands on training, should have been done prior to expecting you to use the equipment. i mentioned earlier that the majority of time you should be able to safely use the sara device by yourself, however (after you have been properly trained) if there are situations or circumstances in which you do not feel comfortable, do not hesitate to ask for help, and do not move the patient by yourself.

remember, no one is going to take care of you back better than you. never be afraid to ask for help moving patients.

i hope this information is helpful.

[cookienay]

OSHA...wonder what they may say about this???