Pilot Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Adult ICU Nurses Versus Neonatal ICU Nurses in the United States

Objectives: The purpose of this pilot descriptive survey was to evaluate occupation-related MSDs in nurses in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) compared to those in neonatal intensive care unit nurses (NICU). Background: Nursing research has focused on heavy patient handling however; there is a gap in the literature that examines musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among neonatal intensive care nurses Methods: The survey utilized Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. This survey was disseminated to members of Academy of Neonatal Nursing and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. It was a convenience sample but with low response rate. The inclusion criteria consisted of critical care nurses working or have worked full time. Results: A total of 38 responders completed the survey. General demographics among groups were similar. Risk factors for MSDs in each group were similar with the exception of a history of depression which was more common among NICU nurses, (p = .0052). Knee problems seem more common among adult ICU nurses, (p = .0002). Ankle/foot problems seem more common among NICU nurses, (p = .0202). Sixty-three percent of adult ICU nurses reported that MSDs were definitely related to work versus, 47.4% of NICU nurses. Conclusion: Both groups of nurses experienced MSDs, with adults experiencing lower extremity MSDs and NICU nurses experiencing upper extremity MSDs. These pilot results need to be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. Depression, stress, and ethical dilemmas were more prevalent in the NICU nurses which may a contributing factor for MSDs Both groups expresses a need for additional staffing and a need for improving the quality of work/life issues.