Distributing medications? Not at the cost of your health!
Although distributing medications is part of the duties of all healthcare professionals, this task is mainly carried out by the licensed practical nurse, especially in long-term care units, and at least three times per shift.
Whether it is tendinitis, bursitis, back pain or crushed toes, all can be avoided if she has the right medication cart and good work methods that will allow her to use it safely. Unfortunately, old and heavy metal carts with wheels that do not move well, with no push bars to use or with bars that are poorly located on the carts still exist. The medications take up a lot of space and reduce the amount of the work surface on these carts. It begs the question of if these carts are still suited to the new ways of delivering care.
The medication cart can make the work much easier, but it can also cause employment injuries. It is in the best interest of the healthcare professional to identify the risk factors related to its use that can compromise her physical health and cause her problems such as injuries or musculoskeletal disorders.
She must question the following few elements, among others. Does moving the cart require little effort or awkward postures? Do its wheels respond well to the direction wanted? Do the brakes work well and are they easy to access? Is the push bar located in the right place? Does it have enough capacity to hold everything? Is its height and work surface adjustable and properly adapted for carrying out the tasks? Is the work plan well lit? Do its drawers open easily and remain closed when the cart is moved?
If she answers no to any of these questions, the healthcare professional should inform her employer so that he can make the necessary corrections. The employer is responsible for providing safe equipment and for maintaining it in good operating condition, in such a way as to protect her health and prevent injuries from happening.
It is true that the new models of medication carts with pivoting wheels, that are lighter, more ergonomic and more easily manoeuvrable, conform to the standards, and are closer to the most recent concepts for distribution of medications.
But, regardless of the type of cart, old or the new model, what is important is that it can be moved easily, the effort to move it is reduced to a minimum, it offers a work surface that is high enough to prepare the medications and register the data, and above all, allows for the medication to be distributed to the patients without it being at the cost of your health!
Do you know ?
Your local union team can assist you in your research of information (CPSST, ASSTSAS) and in your steps with the employer.
As a safety measure, the new carts are equipped with an automatic locking system that engages after a certain period of time that the equipment has not moved;
When stopping the cart, be sure to apply the brakes to avoid the cart moving awkwardly when using the work surface;
It is better to push the cart rather than to pull it, to use both hands and to keep your back straight to avoid twisting the back and to prevent musculoskeletal disorders;
Several types of carts are used in the health institutions and must be adapted according to the needs and the work spaces;