Why nurses shouldn't rely on their back for lifting and how to protect yourself with better technique

Which of the following is NOT a recommended ergonomic principle for nurses?

• A. Maintain a wide base of support
• B. Use back muscles for heavy lifting
• C. Ask for assistance when needed
• D. Keep the center of gravity low

Answer: (B)

Using back muscles for heavy lifting is not a recommended ergonomic principle for nurses. Instead, the emphasis is on using the legs and body weight to assist with lifting to prevent strain and injury. This approach not only reduces the risk of back injuries, which are common in nursing due to the physical nature of the job, but also promotes safe lifting techniques. Maintaining a wide base of support, asking for assistance when needed, and keeping the center of gravity low are all principles designed to enhance stability and balance while performing tasks. A wide base of support increases stability, which is crucial when moving or lifting patients. Asking for help ensures that lifting burdens are properly managed, minimizing the risk of injury. Keeping the center of gravity low helps maintain better control and stability, especially during dynamic movements. Overall, proper technique and ergonomics are essential in healthcare settings to protect the health of nurses and improve patient care.

Ergonomics in nursing isn’t just about rules on a sheet—it’s about staying healthy so you can care for patients every shift. If you’ve ever watched a coworker move a heavy patient or lift a stack of linens, you know the job can be physically demanding. Here’s the core idea you’ll want to carry: the back should not be the primary lifter. In other words, “Use back muscles for heavy lifting” is not a principle you’d want to rely on. Let me explain why and what to do instead.

What’s not recommended—and why it matters

The spine is strong in many ways, but it isn’t built to bear heavy loads alone. When you pull, twist, or bend and lift with your back, you stress the muscles, discs, and ligaments that support your spine. Repeated or improper lifts can lead to strains, herniations, and long-term back pain that makes it hard to work—and hard to care for patients with a steady, confident touch.

So the not-so-great lift is using the back as the primary engine for heavy work. Some people still default to this approach because it feels faster or because they’re not sure how to spread the load. But here’s the thing: safe lifting is a team sport, and it’s built on technique that uses bigger, sturdier lever points—your legs, your core, and the equipment that’s there to help.

The three sturdy pillars of good lifting

If you want to move well and stay safe, focus on these concepts that win in the real world of patient care:

• Maintain a wide base of support. Think of your feet as the rails of a small train track: they need to be wide enough to keep you steady. A stable stance lets you transfer weight smoothly from you to the patient or object you’re lifting. It’s the steady ground that saves you mid-lift when the load shifts or a patient moves unexpectedly.

• Keep the center of gravity low. Bends that are too deep or twists while lifting throw your balance off. By lowering your hips and keeping the load close to your body, you reduce the leverage your spine has to fight against and you stay in control.

• Ask for assistance when needed. There’s no prize for solo heroics in a hospital hallway. When a lift feels too big, call for help or bring in devices. The right teamwork makes the lift easier and safer for everyone.

A practical language for safe lifting

Let’s translate these ideas into everyday actions you’ll actually use on the unit:

• Use your legs, not your back. A squat-style lift, where you bend the knees and hips and keep the spine in a natural alignment, distributes the load across your strongest muscles. The glutes and thighs take the brunt, which is exactly where you want the force to come from.

• Bring the load close to your body. The closer the load to your center, the less torque your spine has to resist. Think towel rolls, patient transfers, and moving boxes—keep the load hugging your torso.

• Keep your spine neutral. Don’t round or twist as you lift or carry. A straight, balanced spine helps prevent strains and keeps your core engaged to support your movement.

• Use transfer aids whenever possible. Gait belts, slide sheets, and mechanical lifts aren’t optional toys—they’re safety tools. They reduce the effort needed and minimize the risk of injury to you and the patient.

• Plan the move before you act. Look for obstacles, check the path, and decide who helps you. A quick plan lowers the chance of last-minute tweaks that compromise form.

• Position yourself to move with the patient. Let the patient’s ability guide the lift: feet planted, hips and shoulders aligned, and hands ready at the transfer point.

A tour through common scenarios

You’ll see these situations on almost every shift. A few practical notes can make a big difference:

• Moving a patient from bed to chair. Use a gait belt and have one or two colleagues assist. Position your feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees, and keep the patient close. If the patient can tolerate it, slide them partway with a sheet to reduce the amount you lift. The goal isn’t speed; it’s control and safety.

• Repositioning in bed. For small shifts or repositioning for comfort, a slide sheet or pillow wedge can do the heavy lifting while you stay largely in your comfortable stance. Small adjustments, big safety gains.

• Transferring to a wheelchair or stretcher. In this case, a mechanical lift with a sling can be a lifesaver. It minimizes manual lifting and keeps the patient secure throughout the transfer.

• Handling heavy supplies. Even when you’re not moving a patient, lifting carts, boxes, or bags should follow the same rules: keep it close, plan the lift, and use your legs.

When tools and teamwork matter

No one expects you to carry the world on your shoulders. In many settings, simple aids and collaborative work make a huge difference:

• Gait belts and assistance from a second person. Two people can share the load and reduce the strain on each back. The person at the head or the side helps steer, while the other supports the transfer.

• Slide sheets and transfer boards. These devices turn a heavy lift into a controlled draw or slide, which is gentler on your back and kinder to the patient’s comfort.

• Mechanical lifts and patient lifts. When patients can’t assist, a proper lift device is the smart move. They may take a few extra minutes to set up, but they protect you from injuries that could end your shift early.

• Team whips up safer moves. A quick huddle before a lift, clear communication, and a shared sense of rhythm can turn a potentially risky moment into a smooth, safe transfer.

Common missteps to watch for (and how to fix them)

Even experienced nurses slip into bad habits now and then. Here are a few to watch and how to correct them:

• Leaning back to pull a load. It’s tempting, but it puts the spine in a high-risk position. Stand tall, bend the knees, and guide the load with your legs.

• Twisting during a lift. If you must turn, move your feet first and pivot with your whole body. Don’t twist at the waist and lift at the same time.

• Rushing a transfer. Speed invites mistakes. Slow, deliberate movements win safety, even when the clock is ticking.

• Skipping a transfer aid. If a patient can be moved with a sheet or board, use it. Skipping devices just because you’re in a rush isn’t saving time in the long run—it steals time from healing by introducing risk.

A few quick reminders to cement the habit

• Build the habit of a wide stance and a low center of gravity before you lift anything.

• Always default to assistance when the load feels heavy or uncertain.

• Use equipment that’s designed to shift the load for you.

• Keep the patient close as you move. Distance makes the lift harder.

• Communicate clearly with teammates so everyone knows who’s doing what.

Why this matters beyond the moment

An ergonomic approach isn’t just about avoiding a sore back. It impacts patient outcomes, too. When you move safely and smoothly, patients stay calmer and more comfortable. Transfers happen with less jitter. Equipment gets used with confidence, and that reduces the chance of slips or drops. It’s a ripple effect: safer lifting helps you do your job better, and it helps patients heal in a more secure environment.

A final thought you can tuck into your pocket

Think of lifting as a set of small, smart choices layered together. Check your stance, engage your core, bring loads close, and call for help when needed. The result isn’t just a single successful move; it’s a safer shift for you and a steadier environment for patients. It’s the kind of practical wisdom that shows up day after day in real-world care—the kind that keeps you strong enough to show up for every patient who needs you.

If you want a mental shortcut, remember this: legs do the heavy lifting, arms guide the way, and devices fill in the rest. The back deserves respect, not work as the primary lifting force. Keep that balance, and you’ll stay resilient through long shifts, demanding days, and the kind of care that patients can feel in their bones.

A few closing prompts to reflect on

• Do you tend to rely on your back during lifts, even when a safer option exists? If yes, what small change could you trial this week to shift the load to your legs?

• What assistive devices or team members are available on your unit to support safe transfers?

• How can you structure a quick pre-lift plan with your teammates so a transfer goes smoothly every time?

If any of these questions spark a moment of realization, you’re already on the right track. Ergonomics isn’t a one-and-done rule book; it’s ongoing, practical wisdom that fits into the rhythm of a nurse’s day. And when you learn to move well, you’re not just protecting your own health—you’re elevating the care you give to every patient who depends on you.