Title: Demonstrate proper body mechanics.
Course: Health Assisting Careers (14002-I) > Section: Incorporating Safety Procedures

Demonstration should include

- elements of body mechanics (e.g., base of support, proximity to load, minimal twisting, avoidance of repetitive motions, use of large muscles, posture).
- techniques of standing, sitting, and moving for personal protection of the health assistant
- techniques for moving, transferring, and lifting patient/client both in bed and chair.

For students taking the nurse aide credential at the end of the course, follow the Virginia Board of Nursing regulations: Commonwealth of Virginia Regulations Governing Certified Nurse Aides, Virginia Board of Nursing (https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/PractitionerResources/LawsRegulations/).

Process/Skill Questions:

- What types of devices are used to help transfer and lift patients/clients?
- Why is good posture important for the health assistant?
- What are the potential consequences of poor body mechanics?
- What principles of body mechanics should a health assistant keep in mind to protect himself or herself from injury while transferring, lifting, turning, and/or positioning a patient/client?
- How can a health care worker's knowledge and application of proper body mechanics be important to patient/client safety?