This is a practical guide to the history, rationale, and fundamentals of safe patient handling and movement (SPHM). The book will include nursing care plans, algorithms for decision making in specific lifting and movement situations, the history of 'body mechanics' (i.e., how the nurse/caregiver positions her body to avoid injury), risk assessment, and the position statements and regulatory guidelines from OSHA, CDC, NIOSH, and ANA. The book will contain numerous photographs of handling and movement techniques using equipment from the principal manufacturers as well as descriptions on how to use the equipment.The book will cover all facets of the topic, including: history of body mechanics; nursing injury rates; cost factors for a safe lifting program; key players of SPHM in hospital settings; education for SPHM in schools of nursing; student nurse SPHM curriculum; illustrated procedures for using safe lifting equipment; specific instruction for patients with special concerns and needs; and, proper maintenance of equipment. Chapters will each emphasize key points and include summaries and NCLEX-style questions for student review.