Moving a patient from bed to a wheelchair

Preparation

Think through the steps before you act and get help if you need it. If you are not able to support the patient by yourself, you could injure yourself and the patient.

Make sure any loose rugs are out of the way to prevent slipping. You may want to put non-skid socks or shoes on the patient's feet if the patient needs to step onto a slippery surface.

1. Explain the steps to the patient.
2. Place the wheelchair on the same side as the patient’s good leg.
3. Park the wheelchair next to the bed, close to you.
4. Put the brakes on and move the footrests out of the way.

Getting a Patient Ready to Transfer

Before transferring into the wheelchair, the patient must be sitting.

1. To get the patient into a seated position, roll the patient onto the same side as the wheelchair.
2. Allow the patient to sit for a few moments, in case the patient feels dizzy when first sitting up.
3. Put one of your arms under the patient’s shoulders and one behind their knees. Bend your knees.
4. Swing their feet off the edge of the bed and use the momentum to help the patient into a sitting position.
5. Move the patient to the edge of the bed and lower the bed so that their feet are touching the ground.

Pivot Turn

If you have a gait belt, place it on the patient to help you get a grip during the transfer. During the turn, the patient can either hold onto you or reach for the wheelchair.

1. Stand as close as you can to the patient, reach around their chest, and lock your hands behind the patient or grab the gait belt.
2. Place the patient’s outside leg (the one farthest from the wheelchair) between your knees for support. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
3. Count to three and slowly stand up. Use your legs to lift.
4. At the same time, the patient should place their hands by their sides and help push off the bed.
5. The patient should help support their weight on their good leg during the transfer.
6. Pivot towards the wheelchair, moving your feet so your back is aligned with your hips.
7. Once the patient’s legs are touching the seat of the wheelchair, bend your knees to lower the patient into the seat. At the same time, ask the patient to reach for the wheelchair armrest.

If the patient starts to fall during the transfer, lower them down to the nearest flat surface, bed, chair or floor.

Alternate Names

Pivot turn; Transfer bed to wheelchair

References

Body mechanics and transfer techniques. In: Mills JE, ed. Nursing Practices. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.

Update Date: 1/31/2012

Updated by: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.