In the United States today, exposure to fast food ads, environment, socioeconomic status, genetic predisposition, overeating and unhealthy snacking has increased obesity in U.S. residents. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Research suggests that obesity and not exercising is the leading cause of heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in America (CDC, 2016). As the number of obese patients enter the hospital, so does the need for more health care workers and the appropriate equipment. Nurses have to provide basic care to every single patient, which ultimately leads to back injuries in the nursing field. The purpose of this paper is to inform nurses of the importance of taking care of themselves and protecting their backs from injuries.
According to the Department of Labor 's Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employees experience more than thirty five thousand back and other bodily injuries yearly. Some of these injuries are severe enough to cause them to miss work. These injuries also cost the hospitals billions of dollars each year. Statistics suggests that nursing employees attain these injuries is by moving and lifting patients on a daily work schedule. Nursing employees should use proper body mechanics to move and …show more content…
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends that assistive devices be used when the weight exceeds that limit (Zwerdling, 2015). Studies suggest hospitals lifting, turning, and repositioning are usually performed manually because of lack of assistive device. Nurses should use their judgement when it comes to lifting patients and ask for help when needed. Nurses could possibly harm their patients or themselves if they lift the patient without any
According to the Department of Labor 's Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employees experience more than thirty five thousand back and other bodily injuries yearly. Some of these injuries are severe enough to cause them to miss work. These injuries also cost the hospitals billions of dollars each year. Statistics suggests that nursing employees attain these injuries is by moving and lifting patients on a daily work schedule. Nursing employees should use proper body mechanics to move and …show more content…
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends that assistive devices be used when the weight exceeds that limit (Zwerdling, 2015). Studies suggest hospitals lifting, turning, and repositioning are usually performed manually because of lack of assistive device. Nurses should use their judgement when it comes to lifting patients and ask for help when needed. Nurses could possibly harm their patients or themselves if they lift the patient without any