"

5 Safe and Effective Transfer Techniques

Assessment

  • Assessed client’s physical capacity for transfer.
  • Assessed client for presence of weakness, dizziness or postural hypotension.
  • Assessed client’s activity tolerance.
  • Assessed client’s perception of their body.
  • Assessed client’s sensory and cognitive status.
  • Assessed client for comfort.
  • Assessed client’s level of motivation.
  • Assessed client’s risk of injury.
  • Determined need for special transfer equipment.
  • Assessed degree of assistance needed for transfer.

Nursing Diagnosis

  • Developed appropriate nursing diagnosis based on assessment data. 

Planning

  • Identified expected outcomes.
  • Explained procedure to client.

Evaluation

  • Assessed client’s response to ambulation, including vital signs and energy level.
  • Observed for correct alignment and presence of pressure points on skin.
  • Observed client’s response to transfer.
  • Asked if client had pain during transfer.
  • Identified unexpected outcomes.
  • Recorded procedure and observations.
  • Reported to appropriate person, client’s transfer ability, assistance required and any unusual occurrence.

Safe Effective Transfer Techniques – Implementation

  1. Performed hand hygiene.
  2. Assisted client to sitting position:
    1. Placed client in supine position.
    2. Faced head of bed and removed pillows.
    3. Properly placed feet apart to improve balance.
    4. Placed hand under client’s shoulders.
    5. Placed other hand on bed surface.
    6. Raised client to sitting position (weight shifted to rear leg).
    7. Pushed against bed with hand on bed surface.
  3. Assisted client to sitting position on the side of the bed, using electrical bed:
    1. Raised head of bed to 30 degrees.
    2. Placed client in side lying position.
    3. Stood in correct position for transfer and turned diagonally to face client and far corner of bed.
    4. Properly placed feet in wide base of support.
    5. Placed arm near bed under client’s shoulders.
    6. Placed other arm over client’s thighs.
    7. Moved client’s lower legs and feet over the side of bed and correctly pivoted leg.
    8. Shifted weight to elevate client and remained in front of client until balance regained.
  4. Transferred client from bed to chair:
    1. Assisted client to sitting position on one side of bed, with chair placed correctly.
    2. Applied transfer belt or other aids, if necessary.
    3. Ensured that client was wearing nonskid shoes; kept weight bearing leg forward.
    4. Stood with feet apart.
    5. Flexed knees and hips; aligned knees with client’s knees.
    6. Grasped transfer belt at sides.
    7. Rocked client to standing position.
    8. Used knee to maintain stability of weak leg.
    9. Pivoted on foot that was farthest from chair.
    10. Instructed client to use arms rests on chair for support.
    11. Flexed hips and knees while lowering client into chair.
    12. Assessed client for proper alignment in sitting position.
    13. Provided client with support and encouragement.
  5. Performed horizontal transfer from bed to stretcher:
    1. Determined number of staff required for transfer.
    2. Lowered the head of the bed as much as tolerated by client; ensured bed brakes were locked.
    3. Crossed client’s arms on chest; lowered side rails.
    4. Placed slide board under client and positioned nurses on sides of bed.
    5. Fan folded draw sheet on both sides.
    6. Turned client onto side as one unit.
    7. Placed slide board under draw sheet.
    8. Gently rolled client back onto the slide board.
    9. Lined up the stretcher with the bed. Locked brakes on bed and stretcher.
    10. Positioned self and other nurses on side of stretcher and bed.
    11. Fan folded draw sheet with two nurses pulling draw sheet with client onto the stretcher and third nurse holding slide board in place.
    12. Positioned client in center of stretcher. Raised head of stretcher. Raised side rails and covered client.
  6. Used mechanical/hydraulic lift to transfer client from bed to chair:
    1. Moved lift to bedside.
    2. Placed chair to allow adequate space to maneuver lift.
    3. Raised bed to high position.
    4. Kept side rail up onside opposite nurse.
    5. Rolled client away from nurse.
    6. Placed hammock or canvas strip under client to form sling.
    7. Raised bed rail.
    8. Moved to opposite side of bed, lowered side rail.
    9. Rolled client to opposite side and pulled hammock through.
    10. Rolled client supine onto canvas strip /sling.
    11. Removed client’s glasses, if applicable.
    12. Placed lift’s horseshoe bar under bed.
    13. Lowered horizontal bar to sling level; locked valve.
    14. Attached strap hooks to holes in sling.
    15. Elevated head of bed.
    16. Folded client’s arms over chest.
    17. Pumped handle until client lifted from bed.
    18. Pulled lift from bed and maneuvered to chair using steering handles.
    19. Rolled base around chair.
    20. Released check valve slowly; lowered client into chair.
    21. Closed check valve when client down in chair.
    22. Removed straps and lift.
    23. Checked client for proper alignment.
  7.  Performed hand hygiene.

Faculty Comments
Assessment Nursing Diagnosis Planning Implementation Evaluation
Attempt Number &
Outcome Number
Student Signature  
 

 Faculty Signature
 
 		 Date
 
 
The student was unable to perform the skill competently and will be retested.
 
 

 Faculty Signature
 
 		 Date
 
 

License

Practical Nursing Program Skills Checklist Copyright © 2023 by Nova Scotia Community College. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book