CampusRN Job Blog
Nurses ask for help lifting heavy patients
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A Cape Cod Hospital nurse told state legislators yesterday that the obesity epidemic is hurting American nurses — particularly in the neck, shoulders and back.
Speaking at a hearing on the proposed The Safe Patient Handling Act, registered nurse Beth Piknick said she developed a “never-ending back spasm” after 25 years of heaving lifting on the job.
Heavier patients mean nurses and nursing assistants are lifting 200- to 400-pound patients several times a day, often with no assistance, said David Schildmeier, spokesman for the Massachusetts Nurses Association, which proposed the legislation calling for hospitals to provide a system to help nurses safely lift and handle patients.
posted in: Massachusetts, news
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