Career Corner >> Career Advice >> Poll: Is CNA The Right Choice
Poll: Is CNA The Right Choice
Poll: If someone has back pain when lifting, is CNA the wrong choice?
9 posts back to top |
Posted almost 2 years ago Hello all, I am finishing CNA classes and we now practicing for the skill test. When we practice bedmaking, I start to feel lower back pain. I have been in two car accidents and injured my back on the job twice. I can deal with the pain, however, I don't want to injure any other body parts. Or injure my back any further. I am wondering if anyone think that in my position CNA would be the wrong choice?
~ How very little can be done under the spirit of fear. ~
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25 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 2 years ago Dear Alliedhealthcare, It really depends on you. As long as your using proper body mechanics you will be fine. If you feel you can't possibly transfer a pt alone... get help. Maybe you may want to wear a sacro-lumbar back brace. There are many steps you can take to prevent hurting yourself further or your pt. I think if you really want to be a CNA go for it! Don't let anything hold you back! Good luck & God bless... Michele "When you're a nurse you know that everyday you will touch a life or a life will touch yours." author unknown
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9 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 2 years ago Thank you for your encouragement and advice. The way that my instuctor talk about how difficult it would be to get help, especially if the pt. is not required to have 2ppl lift. I know that if a pt has to be lifted up on a bed Q2hrs, I can only do it once by myself each day. Anyway, thanks again. ~ How very little can be done under the spirit of fear. ~
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25 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 2 years ago Trust me I understand exactly where you are coming from... it doesn't always work that way in "the real world". I'm a pediatric home care nurse (new grad only 1 month exp on this job) & my pt is 14yrs old with quadraparesis so really can't help me when transferring. Since I am all by myself I really have to think ahead before I do anything to be sure I don't have to unnecessarily move my pt b/c I forgot something & try not to hurt myself in the process. I do 100% pt care meaning... feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, meds, treatments, homework... u name it! Being a caregiver is not easy, but at the end of the day it is very fulfilling & rewarding. We don't do it for the money or the recognition, we do it because we love to help people. I really hope you decide to stick it out & become the wonderful CNA you were meant to be & hopefully go on to be a nurse! "When you're a nurse you know that everyday you will touch a life or a life will touch yours." author unknown
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356 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 2 years ago The choice of career is yours and always will be. That being said, I injured my back in the military, a few times (I could still walk and talk and all that stuff). Went to nursing school, got in two car accidents. One at the beginning, one at the end of school. Now I had neck injuries. Had to sit out one year from the military due to the 2nd neck injury. Got back in. Injured back multiple times working with US Dept. of Justice (INS and BOP, total 6 years and about as many re-injuries). Back with double-fusion, went administrative and part-time pediatrics. Retired from military, worked in private sector for a while. Fusion Failed - Perm. and Totally Disabled, 100% disability. From first injury (1976) to total disability (2001), I managed to pull out a total military career, partial civilian and 3 degrees. It is a personal choice about what you want to do and what you are willing to accept in terms of present pain and possible disability. I know that I probably did not answer any questions for you, but I wanted you to know my perspective. I choose to continue in the nursing profession, but that was me. I would recommend that you include an orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist in the decision-making process. Tom, PhD, MPH, BS(N), RN-C, CHN |
313 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 2 years ago Dear AH, I agree with both Michele and Dr. Tom!!!!! You need to use proper body mechanics when lifting any pt. I know how NHs work though, usually have one CNA trying to lift a 200 lb pt. Q 2 hrs-ridicuolous!!!!! If you need help with a lift, you get the help-back injury is a life-long problem!!!! I would get my Dr.'s clearance-complete medical evaluation-make sure your back is up to the task!!! Wear a back support for all lifts. Use your legs not your back to lift !!!!!!! Ultimately, you will be the one to decide whether or not CNA work is for you!!!!! Shonna or 09157238 |
26691 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 2 years ago Hiya, My back was injured back in 1989.. I was broad sided by and ambulance.. No lights, no sirens and his 1st run That left me with 5 ruptured discs and 3 months in the hospital..Also 1 year in therapy. Since I worked in the Er, I decided to change departments...That's when I went into teaching.. Any way once you injure your so badly, there have to be changes in your life. Think carefully of your chosen career, because you don't want it further aggravated.. I have found through out the years that it's not the heavy things that are lifted, it's the turn or the toss or the step over a towel that reinjures.Proper body mechanics is always important, but think carefully before you go back into something that can hurt you further.. I still teach, but I to am 100% disabled.. Take care of your self.. Think about it and weigh the consequences.. A bad back is not a pleasure to have.. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.. Hugs,Teresa |
