Injuries common among CNAs in nursing homes: study
Research Triangle Park, NC – Sixty percent of certified nursing assistants who work in nursing homes suffer from work-related injuries, according to a new study (.pdf file) from research institute RTI International.
Using data from the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey and National Nursing Home Survey, researchers found that among CNAs who reported an injury, 65.8 percent had more than one in the previous year. Additionally, 16 percent of injured workers required a transfer to light-duty work, and 24 percent were unable to work due to their injury, a press release from RTI stated.
Injuries included cuts, back conditions, black eyes and human bites; causes included lifting and handling residents, resident aggression, and facility equipment.
Researchers stated they were surprised to find that most survey respondents said they used lifting equipment, indicating that access to such equipment does not reduce one’s likelihood of injury. They recommended providing more comprehensive initial training for CNAs and reducing mandatory overtime and job turnover.
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