One of the most physically demanding tasks nurses perform is lifting and moving patients. While the act of lifting may seem straightforward, it poses significant risks to nurses’ health and safety.
In fact, lifting patients significantly contributes to musculoskeletal injuries among nurses.
Weight of patients
The most obvious reason for the injuries caused by lifting patients is the sheer weight involved. Many patients, especially those with limited mobility, require assistance to move from a bed to a wheelchair or to reposition themselves in bed.
Patients can weigh anywhere from 100 to over 300 pounds, and the human body is not designed to handle such loads without mechanical assistance. Even with proper technique, consistently lifting heavy patients puts a strain on nurses’ muscles, ligaments and joints, especially in the lower back.
Repetitive strain
Patient lifting and repositioning are tasks that nurses perform frequently throughout their shifts. Even with safe lifting practices, repetitive motions increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as:
- Herniated discs
- Strained muscles
- Chronic back pain
Over time, the cumulative impact of these movements can lead to long-term injury.
Unpredictable patient movements
Another factor that contributes to the injury risk is the unpredictability of patient movements by patients who are:
- Disoriented
- In pain
- Frightened
These sudden shifts in weight can catch nurses off guard, resulting in awkward postures or jolts that put additional stress on their backs and joints. This unpredictability makes it difficult for nurses to maintain proper body mechanics during lifts.
High workload and staffing shortages
Nursing is physically and emotionally demanding, and staffing shortages can exacerbate the risks of lifting patients. When nurses are responsible for a large number of patients, they are more likely to rush or neglect proper lifting techniques.
Fatigue from long hours and heavy workloads can also impair their physical ability to lift safely. This combination of physical exhaustion and a fast-paced environment contributes to the high rate of injuries.
Lifting patients is an essential part of nursing care, but it is also one of the most hazardous tasks for healthcare workers. The combination of heavy loads, repetitive strain, unpredictable patient movements and high workloads creates a perfect storm for injuries, especially to the lower back. Nurses who sustain injuries in their line of work might want to consider workers’ compensation benefits to more effectively afford ongoing treatment.