Starting job in phy. rehab/therapy. Afraid of injuring myself?

[Summers3]

Hi everyone,

I just currently start in another nursing job: rehab./therapy. I am new to this kind of department and I am afraid about the possibilities of injuring myself because I feel I am too physically weak? I also do not know proper lifting techniques (how to lift, carry, turn pts, etc) so this adds to this situation. Unfortunately, I am short and small body frame too.

May I please ask for advice on how to learn how to properly and safely be a rehab/therapy nurse when I am physically disadvantaged?

Thank you so much!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

It's good that you aren't buying into the nurses have superpowers myth.... the colossal bunkum that "good body mechanics" can overcome everything - and the corollary "if you hurt your back, it's because you didn't use good body mechanics".... Pure nonsense.

I know how grateful you may be for that new job, but if your employer does not provide mechanical lifting devices, it's not a good place to work. There is NO SAFE METHOD of lifting an adult patient without a mechanical device. Find those devices & ask for training. Your employer is required to provide devices & training.... OSHA rules. If they don't have any lifting devices, DO NOT attempt any lifts without adequate assistance...... while you're looking for another job.