Safe patient handling programs can reduce nurse injuries

CNOs should make sure proper safe patient handling procedures are in place to prevent nurses from injuries, according to AONL member Deana Sievert, DNP, RN. Sievert, the CNO at Ohio State Wexner University and Ross Heart Hospitals in Columbus, believes CNOs should ensure nurses are not responsible for lifting patients and that patient handling equipment is safe for nurses to use. A safe patient handling coordinator can make no-lift expectations clear and visit units to identify needs and provide appropriate equipment for care, as well as offer trainings. The Occupational and Safety Health Administration offers a safe patient handling checklist health systems can use to assess their programs. (HealthLeaders Media article, 2/19/24)