LIFTING TECHNIQUES

Before lifting, the nurse should assess the weight to be lifted and what assistance, if any, is needed. If help is needed, the nurse should assess if a second person is adequate or if mechanical assistance is needed. Once the amount of needed assistance id determined, these steps are followed.
1. Tighten stomach muscles and tuck pelvis; this provides balance and protects the back.
2. Bend at the knees; helps to maintain the nurse’s center of gravity and lets the strong muscles of the legs do the lifting.
3. Keep the weight to be lifted as close to the body as possible; this places the weight in the same plane as the lifter and close to the center of gravity for balance.
4. Maintain the trunk erect and the knees bent so that multiple muscle groups work together in a synchronized manner.
5. Avoid twisting. Twisting can overload your spine and lead to serious injury.

To reach an object overhead the nurse should do the following:
1. Use a safe, stable step stool or ladder for elevation. Avoid standing on tiptoes with the feet together. This decrease the base of support, elevates the center of gravity, and decreases balance.
2. Stand as close to the shelf as possible. This decreases the amount of time the nurse must support the weight of the object with the arms.
3. Transfer the weight of the object from the shelf to the arms and over the base of support. This maintains the nurse’s base of support and aligns the weight of the object close to the nurse’s center of gravity.