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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4
E
ven your most gung-ho, can-
do nurses and techs aren't
immune to the hazards of try-
ing to lift or transfer patients with-
out assistance, and a momentary
lapse in judgment can leave them
— and you — dealing with the
resulting musculoskeletal injuries,
reduced abilities and absences.
Help them to protect themselves by
equipping your facility with a range of lift-assist equipment to maintain
proper body mechanics in various situations, and by training your staff to
use the devices, says Maria Sliwinski, RN, MHHS, CNOR, the clinical edu-
cator for surgical services at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center in
Boardman, Ohio.
The pre-op and PACU departments at her facility, part of the Humility
of Mary Health Partners (HMHP) system, have ready access to inflatable
cushions for patient positioning and transfer, wheeled walkers with
attached seats and portable battery-powered sling lifts. OR team mem-
bers use slider sheets to move patients between stretchers and the
table.
Orientation for new hires, routine "boot camp" reviews for lift champi-
ons and annual competencies for staff help to encourage the equip-
ment's use and spare employees' backs and extremities. "It was a big
initiative throughout HMHP," says Ms. Sliwinski, "and it's pretty much
hard-wired with us. It's easier on patients, and there's less risk of us
hurting ourselves."
— David Bernard
l UP AND AT 'EM A sit-to-stand lift and walker is
one of many tools for safer patient transport.
HEAVY LIFTING
Solutions That Spare Staff's Backs
Maria
Sliwinski,
RN,
MHHS,
CNOR
