As a newly hired nursing assistant at INLAND SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, I knew I had a lot to learn. But nothing quite prepared me for the enlightening experience I had during our mandatory patient manual handling training last week.
We had a Caring for Care patient moving and handling training session that lasted the whole day
What I initially thought would be a dull day of watching PowerPoint slides turned out to be an engaging, hands-on learning experience that completely changed my perspective on patient care and workplace safety.
The Morning: Setting the Stage
The day began early, with about 20 of us gathering in the hospital’s training center. Our instructor, Sarah, a physical therapist with over 15 years of experience, greeted us with enthusiasm that was infectious. “Today,” she announced, “we’re going to learn how to keep both ourselves and our patients safe during transfers and repositioning.”
Sarah started by shocking us with statistics. Did you know that healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of musculoskeletal injuries across all industries? Or that improper patient handling is a leading cause of injury for both patients and caregivers? I certainly didn’t, and these facts immediately grabbed my attention.
Understanding the Risks
The first part of our training focused on understanding the risks associated with manual patient handling. Sarah explained that the human spine isn’t designed to handle the awkward postures and heavy loads often involved in patient care. She showed us diagrams of spinal compression and how it can lead to disc herniation and other back injuries.
What really struck me was when Sarah asked us to pair up and try to lift each other using improper techniques. Even with my partner, who was considerably lighter than many patients I’d be handling, I could feel the strain on my back. It was a vivid demonstration of how easy it is to injure yourself without proper training.
The Right Way to Move
After thoroughly scaring us with the potential for injury, Sarah moved on to teaching us the correct techniques for patient handling. We learned about the importance of assessing each situation before attempting a transfer or repositioning. Is the patient able to assist? What equipment is available? How much space do we have to work with?
Sarah introduced us to the concept of “no-lift” policies, explaining that many healthcare facilities are moving towards minimizing manual lifting in favor of mechanical aids. We got to practice with a variety of equipment:
- Slide sheets: These slippery fabrics make it much easier to reposition patients in bed. We practiced using them to move a “patient” (one of our classmates) up in bed and from side to side.
- Transfer boards: These sturdy boards create a bridge between surfaces, allowing patients to slide rather than be lifted. We used them to practice transfers from bed to wheelchair.
- Hoists and lifts: Perhaps the most intimidating at first, these mechanical devices can lift and transfer patients with minimal physical effort from the caregiver. After some initial nervousness, I found myself appreciating how much strain they could take off my body.
Communication is Key
One aspect of the training that I hadn’t anticipated was the focus on communication. Sarah emphasized that clear communication with both patients and colleagues is crucial for safe handling. We practiced explaining procedures to “patients,” ensuring they understood what was happening and how they could assist if able.
We also learned about the importance of teamwork. Many transfers require multiple caregivers, and we practiced coordinating our movements and giving clear, concise instructions to each other. It was surprisingly challenging at first, but by the end of the day, our group was working together like a well-oiled machine.
Practical Scenarios
The highlight of the training for me was the series of practical scenarios Sarah set up in the afternoon. She transformed the training room into different healthcare settings – a cramped home care situation, a busy emergency room, and a long-term care facility. We were split into teams and given various challenges to solve using the techniques and equipment we’d learned about.
One scenario that stands out was transferring a “patient” with limited mobility from a low couch to a wheelchair in a cluttered living room setting. It required careful assessment, creative use of the space and equipment available, and clear communication with both the patient and my teammate. When we successfully completed the transfer without strain or discomfort to anyone involved, I felt a real sense of accomplishment.
The Psychological Aspect
An unexpected but valuable part of the training was a discussion about the psychological aspects of patient handling. Sarah talked about how being lifted or moved can be a vulnerable and potentially frightening experience for patients. She taught us the importance of explaining procedures, asking for consent, and maintaining the patient’s dignity throughout any handling process.
We also discussed the psychology of the caregiver, particularly the tendency to try to “push through” discomfort or take shortcuts when busy. Sarah emphasized the importance of self-care and speaking up when a task feels unsafe. “Your safety and well-being are just as important as the patient’s,” she reminded us.
Applying the Knowledge
As the day drew to a close, Sarah had us reflect on how we could apply what we’d learned to our daily work. We discussed strategies for advocating for proper equipment, how to approach colleagues who might be using outdated or unsafe handling methods, and the importance of ongoing practice to maintain our skills.
I left the training feeling not just more knowledgeable but empowered. I realized that by taking care of myself through proper handling techniques, I would be better equipped to take care of my patients.
The Lasting Impact
It’s been a week since the training, and I can already see its impact on my work. I’m more confident in patient transfers, and I find myself naturally assessing situations before jumping in. I’m more aware of my body mechanics and don’t hesitate to ask for help or use equipment when needed.
Perhaps most importantly, I feel like I’m providing better care to my patients. By handling them safely and comfortably, I’m able to build trust and rapport more quickly. I’ve even had a few patients comment on how smooth and painless their transfers have been!
Sarah R. Moore on Peaceful Discipline Exclusive Interview(Opens in a new browser tab)
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Investment
Looking back, I’m grateful that the Inland Specialist Hospital prioritizes this kind of training. What could have been a tedious day of lectures turned out to be an engaging, practical learning experience that I believe will serve me well throughout my career.
To anyone in healthcare who hasn’t had comprehensive manual handling training, I strongly recommend seeking it out. And to those responsible for healthcare worker training – invest in this area! The benefits in terms of worker safety, patient comfort, and overall care quality are immeasurable.
As for me, I’m looking forward to continuing to practice and refine these skills. Who knew that learning to lift, turn, and transfer patients could be so engaging? It’s given me a new appreciation for the complexity and importance of what might seem like simple tasks. Most of all, it’s reinforced my commitment to providing the best possible care for my patients while taking care of myself in the process.
Discussion about this post