Running head: PROPER BODY MECHANICS TRANSFERRING

Using Proper Body Mechanics While Transferring a Patient

Bree A. Miller
Ferris State University

Proper Body Mechanics Transferring

Using Proper Body Mechanics While Transferring a Patient

Transferring patients can be dangerous for the patient and also the nurse. It is important
for the nurse to use proper body mechanics while transferring patients in order to not harm the
patient and also to prevent injury to their own back. Repetition of using bad mechanics can
result in long term back problems and even immediate injury to the back. It is important to
consider this during every transfer a nurse performs in order to maintain good back health for the
future.
Aspects of Proper Body Mechanics
One of the main aspects of a nurses job is to lift and move patients. It is vital that nurses
use proper body mechanics during those lifts in order to prevent, problems in mental health and
a decrease in job performance and loss of productivity (Karahan, 2004, p. 68). Every move a
nurse takes can affect their body health for many years down the road. Haley (1994) indicated
that back pain is an important cause in making the decision to change jobs among nurses
(Karahan, 2004, p. 68). It is important that a nurse does not have to restrict their daily life
activities due to an injury in the work environment. Being limited in what job a nurse can take
due to a back impairment can be mentally stressful. If the nurse starts from day one using proper
body mechanics with every lift, the rest of their nursing career will greatly benefit. Smedley et
al. (1997) reported that back pain prevalence in nurses within 1 yr is 45% and within their
lifetime is 60% (Karahan, 2004 p. 68). This research shows that almost half of all practicing
nurses experience back pain in just their first year. That is a definite sign that the nursing
profession requires many actions that compromise back health. There is a significant amount of
research showing the relationship of proper body mechanics correlating to back pain in nurses.

Proper Body Mechanics Transferring

It is inevitable that nurses will acquire some back pain throughout their career. Certain
situations require immediate reaction and the thought of body mechanics is forgotten. A nurses
number one priority is the patients safety, therefore they may not think about their own safety in
emergent situations. But it is important to properly lift patients as to not cause serious injury that
leads to further complications (MCCONNELL, 2002). If the nurse is conscious of their body
movements from day one, it can help to become automatic when not thinking about it later on.
Also, nurses who get injured may have to take time off from work leading to financial deficits
that were not expected. A study on this subject showed that 11% of nurses were away from the
work because of back pain (Karahan, 2004, p. 68). Such events are harmful to the nurses
personal life, which all could have been prevented if proper body mechanics were used.
Theory
Lydia E. Halls nursing theory includes the rehabilitation of the patient and helping them
to be autonomous (Taylor, 2011). The main priority of the nurse to help the patient regain their
independence. During this process the nurse lifts heavy amounts and stabilizes the patient,
straining their body with every movement. It is the nurses role to keep the patient safe but at the
same time, taking their own safety into account
Conclusion
The nurse moves/lifts patients on a regular basis causing harm to their back. It is
important to prevent any major back injuries by using proper body mechanics at all times. Back
injuries can cause long standing problems and even compromise their career. Using the proper
mechanics from day one is crucial in every nursing career.

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References

Karahan, A. (2004). Determination of the usage of body mechanics in clinical settings and the
occurrence of low back pain in nurses. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 41(1),
67-65. Retrieved from http://0-www.sciencedirect.com.libcat.ferris.edu/science/article/
MCCONNELL, E. (2002). Using proper body mechanics. 32(5), 17. Retrieved from http://0ovidsp.tx.ovid.com.libcat.ferris.edu/sp-3.10.0b/ovidweb.cgi?QS2
Taylor, C. (2011). Theory, research, and evidence-based practice. In C. Lillis (Ed.),
Fundamentals of Nursing (7 ed., p. 74). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins.

Proper Body Mechanics Transferring

Proper Body Mechanics Transferring