need help/tips for transfers and lifting

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. Last edit by ceccia on Jan 4, '14
Quote from cecciaI'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.

Do you not have a moving and handling rep in the ward?Do you use slide sheets, lifting machines etc?I have a yearly kpi to meet with all staff having a refresher of no lift techniques. Ask your manager for training Also if there is a bariatric Pt on the ward we get OH&S up to a risk analysis. We have a culture of no lift on the ward that I developed after inheriting 3 staff on work cover from the previous manager who didn't care much for back safety

How about core strengthening exercises?

I do pretty good with the slide sheets… but not with the Lifting machines…. If I learn of any other ways… i will share.Good Luck!!

If you are transferring patients that need you to "lift" them then you should not be doing it by yourself anyways.You need either a second person or a lifting device

no we don't have a lifting and handling rep. (I think that might be a hospital thing; i've never had one in any of the subacute facilities where i've worked). I'm not sure what an ergo slide is. we do have gait belts and draw sheets but they don't seem to make it any easier. maybe there's a specific technique to it that i don't know, or maybe they really don't make much of a difference. idk. i did ask my manager if we could set up some sort of training, but she said they don't have the time or money for that and "just get some help when you need it". I feel really bad asking the CNAs for help so often, because I know they have 2837469232 other things to do and way too many patients to attend to as it is. one of my pts on friday was a guy who was almost 300 lbs and had taken a valium about 20 minutes ago, and i said to one of the techs that i am going to need some help getting him to the bathroom. he was just like 'you'll be fine; he's just mod assist". yeah that didn't go so well. thank God he didn't fall, but i ended up having to get help and the tech was ****** and kept rolling her eyes and my back and shoulders are still killing me today. i'm thinking i'll try to look for some CE courses that deal with transfers/ergonomics and body mechanics. i don't plan on staying in nursing past the end of this year, but still - i want to get through this year without seriously injuring myself or having a patient fall during a transfer!

If it makes you feel better I'm a overweight 5' 8 and struggle too. A lot of the aides at my work have been doing this for years and are very strong. Me not so much. I do what I can and that's it. I won't hurt myself trying to make a point. You're short and thin...I'm not sure why your staff get mad. My only suggestion is to do what you can with easier residents.

You shouldn't be getting up a patient that just had Valium. That's not safe.

Why are you lifting 300 lbs by yourself at all?! Crazy! And, on valium?

Quote from chrisrn24...I'm not sure why your staff get mad.

Quote from ceccia because the patient-to-tech ratio is ridiculous and the CNAs never get a break. i get why they're annoyed - they're overwhelmed; i just wish they would not take their frustration out on me. from experience, one thing that does help is taking the time to really instruct the patient on how to position themselves and/or use momentum so they can assist more with their own transfer or bed mobility. but that does take a lot of time because a lot of the patients who need the most physical help are also somewhat confused and/or don't have good motor planning. or the ****'just do it for me' ones who don't want to be bothered with learning how to help transfer themselves.***

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.