How to Transfer a Patient From a Bed to a Wheelchair:
Supplies:
Wheelchair
Gait Belt
Steps:
Knock on the door, introduce yourself, and what you’re doing
Greet the patient by name and check their ID to their confirm their identity
Wash your hands
Put on gloves
Bring the wheelchair to the end of the bed; it must be flush with the footboard so they don’t hit it with their feet when they are being moved
LOCK THE WHEELS AND MOVE THE FOOT REST OUT TO THE SIDES OF THE CHAIR
Ask the patient if you can sit them up in their bed and raise the head of the bed
Put one arm behind their back and one arm under their knees
On the count of 3, sit them up and pivot them so their feet are dangling over the side of the bed
Check the patient’s comfort level
Put on their shoes or non-skid socks
Put on the gait belt just below the diaphragm, making sure it’s tight enough with only 2 fingers worth of space
Plant the patient’s feet firmly on the ground
Move the chair closer to you and angle the front slightly; be sure the front of the chair is right up against the bed
Wing out the front wheels of the chair
Place the patient’s knees between yours and brace them with your knees
Ask the patient to slowly sit down
Make sure their legs feel back of seat before completely sitting
Control the speed in which they sit
Wrap your arms around the patient’s shoulders and gently slide them back completely in the chair
Check if the patient’s back is against the chair
Take the gait belt off
Lift the patient’s legs and place them on the footrest
Place the call button in the patient’s hand and close curtains
Wash your hands
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