What tips must you remember when you have to move someone into bed or out of bed?

Moving a patient in bed

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Avoiding Injury
Preparing to Move the Patient
References
Version Info
Moving Patients from Bed to Wheelchair
Step 1. Sit the patient up
Step 2. Stand the patient up
Step 3. Pivot toward chair
Step 4. Sit the patient down
What are the steps in moving a patient up in bed?
What is the first nursing action when getting a patient out of bed for transferring?
What are some factors to consider when transferring a patient?
When should you lift someone out of bed?

Avoiding Injury

You must move or pull someone up in bed the right way to avoid injuring the patient's shoulders and skin. Using the right method will also help protect your back.

It takes at least 2 people to safely move a patient up in bed.

Friction from rubbing can scrape or tear the person's skin. Common areas at risk for friction are the shoulders, back, buttocks, elbows, and heels.

Never move patients up by grabbing them under their arms and pulling. This can injure their shoulders.

Preparing to Move the Patient

A slide sheet is the best way to prevent friction. If you do not have one, you can make a draw sheet out of a bed sheet folded in half. Follow these steps to prepare the patient:

Tell the patient what you are doing.
If you can, raise the bed to a level that reduces the strain on your back.
Make the bed flat.
Roll the patient to one side, then place a half rolled-up slide sheet or draw sheet against the person's back.
Roll the patient onto the sheet and spread the sheet out flat under the person.
Make sure the head, shoulders, and hips are on the sheet.

Pulling up

The goal is to pull, not lift, the patient toward the head of the bed. The 2 people moving the patient should stand on opposite sides of the bed. To pull the person up both people should:

Grab the slide sheet or draw sheet at the patient's upper back and hips on the side of the bed closest to you.
Put one foot forward as you prepare to move the patient. Put your weight on your back leg.
On the count of three, move the patient by shifting your weight to your front leg and pulling the sheet toward the head of the bed.
You may need to do this more than once to get the person in the right position.

If using a slide sheet, make sure to remove it when you are done.

If the patient can help you, ask the patient to:

Bring the chin up to the chest and bend the knees. The patient's heels should remain on the bed.
Have the patient push with the heels while you pull up.

References

American Red Cross. Assisting with positioning and transferring. In: American Red Cross. American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training Textbook. 4th ed. American National Red Cross; 2018:chap 11.

Craig M. Essentials of patient care for the sonographer. In: Hagen-Ansert S, ed. Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography. 8th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2018:chap 2.

Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC, Gonzalez L, Aebersold M. Body mechanics and positioning. In: Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC, Gonzalez L, Aebersold M, eds. Clinical Nursing Skills: Basic to Advanced Skills. 9th ed. New York, NY: Pearson; 2017:chap 12.

Version Info

Last reviewed on: 10/23/2021

Reviewed by: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Moving Patients from Bed to Wheelchair

Using a transfer belt can help make moving patients safer.

Patient safety is often the main concern when moving patients from bed. But remember not to lift at the expense of your own back. This transfer often requires the patient's help, so clear communication is essential. If the patient can’t help much, you’ll need two peopl or a fully body sling lift.

Remember: When patients are weak, brace your knees against theirs to keep their legs from buckling. Also, transfer toward patient’s stronger side if possible.

Step 1. Sit the patient up

Position and lock the wheelchair close to the bed. Remove the armrest nearest to the bed, and swing away both leg rests.
Help the patient turn onto his or her side, facing the wheelchair.
Put an arm under the patient’s neck with your hand supporting the shoulder blade; put your other hand under the knees.
Swing the patient's legs over the edge of the bed, helping the patient to sit up.

Step 2. Stand the patient up

Have the patient scoot to the edge of the bed.
Assist the patient in putting on skid proof socks or shoes.
Put your arms around the patient’s chest, and clasp your hands behind his or her back. Or, you may also use a transfer belt to provide a firm handhold.
Supporting the leg farthest from the wheelchair between your legs, lean back, shift your weight, and lift.

Step 3. Pivot toward chair

Have the patient pivot toward the chair, as you continue to clasp your hands around the patient.
A helper can support the wheelchair or patient from behind.

Step 4. Sit the patient down

As the patient bends toward you, bend your knees and lower the patient into the back of the wheelchair.
A helper may position the patient’s buttocks and support the chair.
Reposition the foot rests and the patient's feet.

StayWell last reviewed this educational content on 3/1/2018

What are the steps in moving a patient up in bed?

Pulling up.

Grab the slide sheet or draw sheet at the patient's upper back and hips on the side of the bed closest to you..

Put one foot forward as you prepare to move the patient. ... .

On the count of three, move the patient by shifting your weight to your front leg and pulling the sheet toward the head of the bed..

What is the first nursing action when getting a patient out of bed for transferring?

Stand the patient up Put your arms around the patient's chest, and clasp your hands behind his or her back. Or, you may also use a transfer belt to provide a firm handhold. Supporting the leg farthest from the wheelchair between your legs, lean back, shift your weight, and lift.

What are some factors to consider when transferring a patient?

No matter where you transfer, communication and preparation are the two most important factors to consider. Communication leads to collaboration; you need your patient's help to make a transfer that's safe for both of you.