Abstract

This article reports on a research study of a group of third-year undergraduate student nurses, investigating their use of lifting techniques and their potential to conform to ward practice in the selection of lifts. A questionnaire which included a vignette was administered to 19 students. Results showed that 50 per cent would conform to the selection of a two-person lift by a staff nurse even when they knew that the lift was unsafe. The authors suggest possible variables which may influence the selection of lifts.