Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Safe resident handling September 2011

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. September 2011Safe resident handling Manually lifting residents is hazardous On-the-job injuries: #1 Manufacturing #2 Health care *  Health care is #2 in the frequency of job-related injuries  Many are back injuries due to lifting patients

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. September 2011Safe resident handling Why is lifting bodies so dangerous?  Weight exceeds safe amount to lift  Person being lifted may not cooperate  Room may be small or cluttered with furniture or equipment  Awkward position increases risk of injury  Not enough help

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. September 2011Safe resident handling Using good body mechanics  CNAs should always use good body mechanics to avoid injury BUT  Good body mechanics alone is not enough to keep you safe from injury in a manual lift

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. September 2011Safe resident handling First step in safe resident handling  Nurse or physical therapist assesses the resident –Instructions for the resident’s mobility assistance needs should be on the care plan –The care plan should state the type of help the resident needs  The CNA’s job is to find this information on the care plan OR  Ask the nurse or physical therapist the best way to help the resident with mobility

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. September 2011Safe resident handling Using mechanical lift equipment  Mechanical lifts: there are many types  Only use a mechanical lift if –you have been trained to use it –you feel comfortable using it –the resident is cooperative and comfortable using it  Get help if you are unsure about how to use a certain piece of equipment  It’s okay to ask for a refresher if you have forgotten how to use the lift

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. September 2011Safe resident handling Other types of mobility aids  Special low-friction slide sheets  Sliding boards  Gait belts  Stand-assist devices  Geriatric chairs  …and others The bottom line – understand how to use the mobility equipment used at your facility

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. September 2011Safe resident handling Not sure what to do?  Take the initiative –Ask the staff development person or supervisor for an in-service on safe resident handling –Suggest a refresher for all staff on the use of mechanical lifts at your facility –If a resident is fearful of a mechanical lift, ask the nurse or physical therapist to help –If you feel a transfer is unsafe for you or the resident, speak to your supervisor or a nurse