Body Mechanics By Melissa Scott & Michele Shaffer

Why are body mechanics so important? -Body mechanics are essential to the work of a Nursing Assistant. It is a job where you will do heavy lifting and positioning of patients who need assistance. It only takes one improper technique to cause injury to the staff member, client, or both. This can lead to an inability to work for a certain amount of time due to injury, or life-long therapy for the injury. -Body mechanics are designed to keep staff and patients free from injury and aid the staff in completing their work effectively.

Why can’t a mechanical lift be used all the time to avoid strain on the nurse? -Patient refuses use of equipment -Staff not properly educated on use of lifts and other equipment - Not enough lifts for demand on the unit -Equipment not maintained in safe working order

When lifting a heavy object... -Make sure the object is less than half your body weight. If it’s heavier, get someone else to help you. -Set feet apart for wide-base support. -Bend & lift with your knees. Never bend your back when lifting (this can lead to a serious back injury). -Keep your back straight when lifting. -keep the object close to you as you lift to prevent back strain.

When pivoting a client... -Have the client sit at the side of the bed and face them directly. -Tell the client what you are going to do with gait belt on and what they should do. -Bend with your knees to grab the gait belt at the client’s waist and to where your face is almost level with theirs. -With your hands under the gait belt on their waist, count to three, and lift with your knees. -Move your feet to where you can shift the client over to the bedside commode. Do not twist at the waist to pivot them. -Bend at the knees and slowly sit the client to the designated spot.

When Transferring a client... -The best position during sliding board transfers is to kneel and use a rolled up towel under the knee for padding. -Allow the patient to help as much as possible. -Ensure patient wears a gait belt if needed. -Keep the person as close to your body as possible. -Contract stomach muscles as you lift the patient.

REmember … home health tasks require proper body mechanics too! -Applying anti-embolism stockings -Tub baths -Bed repositioning -Working with a non-height adjustable bed -Changing patient’s clothing and undergarments

Use Proper body mechanics: Save your back, neck and knees!

References My Shepherd Connection. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2015, from Nelson, A., & Baptiste, A. (2004). Evidence-based practices for safe patient handling and movement. Online Journal Of Issues In Nursing, 9(3), 24p-24p 1p Vera, M. (2011). Proper body mechanics for nurses. Nurse labs. nurses/ nurses/ Images: Qc9b7RGyYVIq2rgYMrElcn2xavEb tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQlL1akmLnEVLC69ZNSHUL_JVp5eRw4GrrKTLCrSa1j7soLt40_zw