Pre-employment screenings

[Guest guest]

For all new hospital employees we perform a pre-employment screen. Part of this

includes a lift and lift/carry section that we match the lifting requirements of

each jobs physical demand form. We are looking at revamping how we perform this

and I would love some input. For example, some of our nursing positions require

a 50 pound lift with assistance. We usually use a small wooden box for lifting

but the equipment we have for this is not really feasable to lift with two

people. Also, if this is being judged as the weight of a patient it may not

always be split 50-50. What type of equipment do you use for this and how do

you determine how much assistance you give the employee? Also, some of the

nurse managers seem to think the 50 pounds with assist is reasonable for a

patient, but in discussing this with HR the question was what if a patient

passes out and you are alone? How much weight should someone be expected to

" manage " so to speak if they are going to lower a patient to the floor or

bed/chair or attempt to catch them? Obviously all patients are going to be

different weights and need different amounts of assistance, but for the purpose

of this type of screen i would love to hear what this board thinks is a

reasonable amount that an employee should be able to do.

Thanks in advance,

Todd Bardua

Director of PT

Bloomsburg Hospital

Bloomsburg PA