A.
Transferring patient from bed to stretcher
A pleasant afternoon to you ma’am, I am Summer Joli Ainz Cirilo, Samantha Claire Alcantara and
Moises Clerick Balloguing, from 1-C, a part of group 1 and of course student nurses from the
University of Northern Philippines. Today, we will be performing our return demonstration
regarding the ‘Transferring of the patient from the bed to stretcher’.
Procedure
1. Gather the equipment needed for the transfer such as the stretcher, bed, and draw sheet. Also,
remember to check that all equipment is functioning normally.
Rationale: This is to save time and effort.
2. Prior to performing the procedure, introduce self and verify the client’s identity using agency
protocol. Explain to the client what you are going to do, why it is necessary, and how to
participate. Explain transfer to the nursing personnel who agree helping and specify who will
give directions (one staff member needs to be in charge).
“Hello ma’am good afternoon, I’m Summer Cirilo, I’m Samantha Alcantara, and I’m
Moises Balloguing and we are your student nurses for today. So how are you ma’am? For
verification, can you please state your name? Your birthdate? Ok so regarding your physical
injuries, it still needs further examination, so we need to transfer you to a stretcher for your
MRI Scan. So for us to be able to perform the procedure, we need your full cooperation
during the transfer phase. Would that be ok with you? Rest assured ma’am, because prior to
the procedure, I have already instructed my fellow student nurses on what to do and what
their assigned part is in performing the procedure.”
3. Perform hand hygiene and observe other appropriate infection prevention procedures.
Rationale: This is to deter the spread of any infection. And since we have already performed
that we can now proceed to the next step.
4. Provide client privacy.
Rationale: Prior to this procedure, we’re going to close the curtains and windows. Providing
privacy helps build trust and ensure client’s comfort.
5. Adjust the client’s bed in preparation for the transfer.
Lower the head of the bed until it is flat or low as the client can tolerate.
Rationale: This will prevent any injuries while transferring the patient.
Place the friction-reducing device which is the draw sheet under the client.
Rationale: This is to prevent friction
“So, ma’am, we will be putting the draw sheet on your back to enable us to transfer you
efficiently and safely to the stretcher. And to do that the first thing that we’re to do is to assist
you cross your arms and feet. Permission to touch your shoulder and back. (*Sam ask
permission to touch the back of the knee and buttock) On the count of three ma’am, we’ll lay
you on the side to our direction. 1,2,3… (Ipan ejy draw sheet). Then ma’am, we need to do that
again but in opposite direction. Student nurse Moises will assist you regarding that…
Raise the bed so that it is slightly higher than the surface of the stretcher.
Rationale: It is easier for the client to move down a slant.
Ensure that the wheels on the bed are locked.
Rationale: To prevent the bed from moving prior to the procedure.
Place the stretcher parallel to the bed next to the client and lock the stretcher wheels.
Rationale: To ensure a safety and more efficient transfer.
Fill the gap that exists between the bed and the stretcher loosely with the bath blankets.
6. Transfer the client securely to the stretcher.
If the client can transfer independently, encourage him or her to do so and stand by for
safety.
If the client is partially able or not able to transfer;
“And assuming that the client is unable to transfer, so:”
(1) One caregiver needs to be at the side of the client’s bed, between the client’s shoulder
and hip. That will be of course me, student nurse Moises.
(2) The second and third caregiver should be at the side of the stretcher; one positioned
between the client’s shoulder and hip which is student nurse Summer (peace sign*) and the
other between the client’s hip and lower legs which will be student nurse Samantha (wave*).
(3) All caregivers should position their feet in a walking stance.
Rationale: To have a good base of support.
(4) Ask the client to flex the neck during the move, if possible, and place the arms across the
chest. Rationale: This prevents injury to those body parts.
“So, ma’am, during the move, can you flex or move your neck. And can you place your
arms across your chest again.
(5) On a planned command, the caregivers at the stretcher’s side pull (shifting weight to the
rear foot), and the caregiver at the bedside pushes the client toward the stretcher (shifting
weight to the front foot).
“Brace yourself sir, because on the count of 1-3, we will be transferring you from bed
to stretcher, 1,2,3… Up”
7. Ensure client comfort and safety.
Make the client comfortable, unlock the stretcher wheels, and move the stretcher away from
the bed.
Rationale: To ensure that the client is ready for transport.
“So, Sir, upon transferring from bed to stretcher, did you feel dizzy or anything? Are you
comfortable with your position right now?”
Immediately raise the stretcher side rails or fasten the safety straps across the client.
Rationale: Because the stretcher is high and narrow, the client is in danger of falling
unless these safety precautions are taken.
8. Document relevant information:
Equipment used
Number of personnel needed for transfer and safety measures and precautions used.
Destination if reason for transfer is to transport from one location to another
