Working together for success.

Abstract

Administrators and Directors of Nursing usually believe they are doing the right thing when they begin to implement an ergonomic program such as safe resident handling. However, as time goes by, and the program fades, they may wonder where they went wrong. The commitment, planning, and follow through between "management" and "employees" when a safe resident handling/minimal lift program is implemented is an essential, but often overlooked, part of an effective ergonomic program. The best of programs can fail unless there is an ongoing effort by both to insure that the following goals are achieved: (1) safety for the caregivers, (2) safety for the residents, and (3) improvement or maintenance of mobility of the residents.