• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

Safe transfers, Part I

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, September 23, 2004

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer!

Back injuries are the third most common reason nurses and CNAs miss work, after colds and flu. These injuries usually result from

 poor body mechanics during lifting
 stressful living and working conditions
 lack of assistance when lifting or transferring
 poor physical condition
 muscles not prepared for the strain of lifting.

This week, we will look at things CNAs can do to reduce the risk of back injury. Next week, we will continue the training by going over some things CNAs should avoid. The "do" list is as follows:

 Maintain good alignment during movement. It is particularly important to maintain the slight inward curve of the lower back during lifting and transferring. When proper body positioning is used, the strain of the transfer is shifted to the stronger parts of the body, such as the legs.
 Obtain assistance with a transfer. The effort required to get another staff member to assist with a transfer is minimal compared to the problems that can result from injuries and lost work time.
 Eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, don't smoke, and exercise regularly. There is a strong link between poor physical fitness and the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal injuries.
 Perform warm-up stretches before work. The most likely time for an injury to occur is within the first two hours of work. A 10-minute series of warm-up stretches can make a world of difference.

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer!

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive