COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Procedure Checklist
TRANSFERRING CLIENT FROM BED TO STRETCHER
NAME: _______________________________________________ YEAR & SEC.: _____________
DATE: _______________________________________________ SCORE: _____________
PURPOSE: The client assumes a sitting position on the edge of the bed before walking,
moving to a chair or wheelchair, eating, or performing other activities.
Preparation:
Prepare and check functionality of Equipment 2points
Stretcher
Transfer assistive devices (draw sheet/ transfer board/ slide sheet)
Obtain necessary personnel to help with the transfer
Before the Procedure:
Check doctor’s order for contraindications or medications that the
client is receiving because some medications may hamper movement
or alertness of client 1point
Introduce self and verify the client’s identity using institution protocol
1point
Explain to the client what you are going to do, why it is necessary, and
how he or she can participate. 1point
Explain the transfer to the nursing personnel who are helping and
specify who will give directions (one person needs to be in charge)
1point
Perform hand hygiene and observe other appropriate infection
prevention procedures 1point
Provide for client privacy 1point
IMPLEMENTION
Check for encumbrances to movement such as IV or urinary catheter
1point
Assess the following before transfer 3points
The client’s body size and weight
Ability to follow instructions
Activity tolerance
Level of comfort
The space in which the transfer is maneuvered
The number of assistants (one to four) needed to accomplish the
transfer safely
Adjust the client’s bed in preparation for the transfer 2.5points
Lower the head of the bed until it is flat or as low as the client can
tolerate.
Place the friction-reducing device under the client.
Raise the bed so that it is slightly higher (i.e., 1/2 in.) than the surface
of the stretcher.
Ensure that the wheels on the bed are locked.
Place the stretcher parallel to the bed next to the client and lock the
stretcher wheels
Transfer the client securely to the stretcher. 1point
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
One caregiver needs to be at the side of the client’s bed,
between the client’s shoulder and hip.
The second and third caregivers should be at the side of the
stretcher: one positioned between the client’s shoulder and hip
and the other between the client’s hip and lower legs
All caregivers should position their feet in a walking stance
Ask the client to flex the neck during the move, if possible, and
place the arms across the chest.
Ensure client comfort and safety 2points
The client should be in the middle of the stretcher, place blanket to
cover the client from shoulder to toes. Unlock the wheels of the
stretcher and move away from the bed
Immediately raise the stretcher side rails and/or fasten the safety
straps across the client.
Perform hand hygiene 1point
Document and record all relevant information1point
Equipment used
Number of people needed for transfer and safety measures/ precautions
used
Destination if reason for transfer is transport from one location to
another.
Comments:
___________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Evaluated by: Conforme:
_________________________________ __________________________
Signature over Printed Name of Instructor Name of Student
Source: Kozier and Erbs Fundamentals of Nursing Concepts, Process and Practice 10th Edition
Potter-Perry Fundamental of Nursing, 8th Edition
