Transferring the Resident from a Bed with a Mechanical Lift

Written by Hollie Finders, RN
Hollie Finders is a registered nurse with years of experience working in the health care field. She has degrees in both biochemistry and nursing. After working with patients of all ages, Hollie now specializes in pediatric intensive care nursing. Hollie’s LinkedIn

Procedure

Equipment needed: mechanical lift, lift sling, co-worker, and chair or wheelchair.

  1. Perform hand hygiene.
  2. Explain the procedure to the resident and ask for his or her assistance in following directions.
  3. Place a chair or wheelchair next to the bed. The chair should be at the head of the bed and facing the foot of the bed. Lock the wheels of the chair or wheelchair, if applicable.
  4. With the resident in a supine position, place a lift sling underneath the resident by turning the resident to one side and then the other and tucking the sling underneath. Smooth out all folds and wrinkles.
  5. Ensure the bottom of the sling is even with the resident’s knees.
  6. Widen the base of the mechanical lift to its maximum width. Slide the base of the lift under the resident’s bed on the side to which you will be moving the resident. By doing so, the lift’s arms should be directly over the resident.
  7. Lower the lift’s arms until the sling’s straps can easily be attached to the arm’s hooks.
  8. Cross the resident’s arms across his or her chest.
  9. Attach all straps to their corresponding hooks.
  10. With your coworker supporting the resident in the sling, begin slowly lifting the resident using the mechanical lift.
  11. Just after the resident is lifted off the bed, pause to ensure the resident has settled safely into the sling.
  12. Proceed raising and moving the lift until the resident is positioned over the chair. Your coworker should continue to support the resident while moving.
  13. Slowly lower the resident into the chair. Your coworker may need to help guide the resident safely into the chair.
  14. Unhook the sling’s straps from the lift’s arms.
  15. Leave the sling underneath the resident to be used when transferring the resident back to the bed.
  16. Boost the resident up in the chair, if needed. Assist him or her into a comfortable position.
  17. Transport the resident by wheelchair or ensure the call light is within the resident’s reach.
  18. Perform hand hygiene.
  19. Document the procedure in the resident’s chart and report any changes in the resident’s condition to the nurse.

Important Information About Mechanical Lifts

A mechanical lift is used to transfer residents who cannot support their own weight [1]. When used properly, mechanical lifts prevent injuries for both residents and health care workers. It is important that a nurse’s assistant be trained to use the mechanical lift before attempting to operate it. Most facilities require at least two health care workers to assist when using a mechanical lift. One staff member should operate the lift, while the other should support and monitor the resident during the transfer. Always check your facility’s policy before operating the lift, and familiarize yourself with the lift’s instructions, as each lift model may vary slightly.

References

1. Guidelines for Nursing Homes

More Resources

Assisting the Resident to Transfer from the Bed to a Chair or Wheelchair

It is important to remember on which side to place the chair when assisting a patient in transferring. Putting the chair on the resident’s unaffected side allows the resident to lead with his or her strong extremity. This eases the procedure for the resident and reduces the risk of falling.

Putting on Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is worn to protect the mouth, nose, eyes, clothing, and skin from unwanted pathogens. In the health care setting, a patient’s condition often prompts the use of personal protective equipment; however, a health care worker is able to wear personal protective equipment whenever he or she deems it is necessary (e.g., during procedures with the potential for excessive contact with bodily fluids).

Nail Care (Fingers and Toes) for CNAs

Nail care of both the feet and the hands should be performed as part of the patient’s daily hygiene routine. The status of the patient’s nails can reflect their overall health. Nail issues can also lead to infection that can spread systemically (ex, ingrown nails or fungus). You should never clip a patient’s nails with nail clippers, and always review your institution’s policy about what nail care is allowed.

Oral Temperature Measurement with an Electronic Monitor

Body temperature is one of the vital signs frequently measured in healthcare settings. Changes in a body temperature can indicate improvement or worsening of a patient’s condition, so accurate measurement is important.

Axillary Temperature with Electronic Thermometer

Compared to other temperature measurement methods, the axillary measurement is considered the least reliable. An axillary temperature measurement typically reads 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than an oral temperature reading [1]. For this reason, it is recommended to use this method only when other methods are contraindicated or when taking an axillary temperature is the safest method for the patient.