Abstract
Ergonomic research on nursing work has focused primarily on the biomechanical analysis of patient handling tasks. Few studies have addressed the intensity of a full day of nursing work as measured by changes in heart rate and energy expenditure.
Objective: A pilot study was conducted between August 2009 and May 2010 to examine the intensity of performing nursing assistant work in long term care settings and to assess the usefulness of heart rate monitoring as a measure of work intensity. The residents of the facilities were physically dependent adults. The settings had floor-based mechanical lifting devices available and no-lift policies that restricted workers from lifting.
Participants: Eight women between the ages of 19 and 54 from two facilities participated in this study.
Methods: A wearable recorder allowed unobtrusive heart rate monitoring while nursing assistants worked their usual shift. Continuous heart rate monitoring for a full shift provided an estimation of energy expenditure.
Results: The data suggest that the nursing assistants worked at a moderate level yet were within the safe work intensity level recommended by NIOSH [32].
Conclusions: The information provides preliminary baseline data for nursing assistants who work with physically dependent adults using floor-based lifts in a no-lift environment.