Transferring the patient from stretcher to bed

Authors: V. Rednenko

Editor: V. Rednenko

Equipment for the practical skill:

• Simulated patient or full-length manikin
• Hospital bed
• Sheet (Draw sheet)
• Sretcher (wheel stretcher)

Description of the clinical situation:

You are a nurse in the admission department. Transfer the patient from the admissions department to the therapeutic department of the hospital with reposition the patietn from the stretcher to the bed. Number of caregivers: Three or more persons. Weight considerations: No weight restriction

The order of the skill:

Preparatory stage:

• Introduce yourself and identify the patient (ask for the last name, first name, patronymic, date of birth (age))
• Assess the patient's condition.
• Clear a pathway, prepare equipment (sheets), ensure that personal patient articles are in place.
• Assess your physical limitations (How are you feeling? Do you need a second person? Do you need to use a mechanical lift?). Request assistance, if required.
• Explain the procedure to the patietn
• Get verbal informed consent
• Show the patient how to help, if possible, keeping instructions short and simple.

Main stage:

• Roll patient over and place a draw sheet under the patient, forming a bridge between the bed and the stretcher.
• Return the patient to the supine position.
• Adjust bed to safe working height. The stretcher should be slightly higher than the bed. Lower head of bed and side rails.
• Position stretcher beside the bed. Apply brakes.
• Two health care providers climb onto the bed and grasp the sheet.
• The lead person is at the head of the stretcher and will grasp the pillow and sheet.
• The other health care provider is positioned on the far side of the bed, between the chest and hips of the patient, and will grasp the sheet.
• The designated leader will count 1, 2, 3, and start the move.
• The person on the side of the stretcher will push patient just to arm’s length using a back-to-front weight shift.
• At the same time, the two caregivers (from the side of the bed) will pul the sheet.

Final stage:

• Remove the draw sheet under the patient
• Adjust the patient position in the bed
• Ensure patient is comfortable