Question on patient transfer

[fire_fly]

Hi, when we were doing clinicals at a LTC they lifted patients in a different way from the way we were taught - taught to either use a gait belt or mech. lift when transferring from wheelchair to bed if they needed assistance.

The staff members put their arms under the resident's underarms and sort of swung them onto the bed from the wheelchair.

Is this the way your facility lifts? I don't think I'm strong enough to lift someone that way.

[casi, ASN, RN]

There are 101 different ways to transfer a resident.

I would first off ask your clinical instructor about laws surrounding transfer assists. I believe in MN you HAVE to use a mechanical lift or a transfer belt on all residents in LTC as mandated by the state. Does this happen? Nope. Why? Because in some cases it's just impractical. Belts slip and mechanical lifts take time. If someone can bare much of their own weight and really only need more of boost than anything else to transfer is it worth going through the ordeal of using the belt?

I work in an assisted living facility and I primarily use the under arm method on my residents. Transfer belts get broken out for falls, assists of two, or whenever a Dr. or PT orders transfers via transfer belt. Mechanical lifts are also used primarily on those who are assists of two and the occassional fall.

When it comes to how YOU lift, you have to do what you are comfortable with. On clinicals you shouldn't really deviate from the way you're taught, but take a chance to learn from the other aides. When it comes to practice, use what practice works best for both you and the resident and always be flexible sometimes you might need to change things up a little. J

[aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

I don't use a gait belt on someone who just needs a little push up. I'll use the under the shoulders method. Now if I have a pt who needs a lot of help getting up for transfers, I do use my gait belt.

Keep in mind that what you were taught in class and what you see in clinicals is going to be different. In clinicals they teach you the "classroom" or proper way of doing things. In your LTC you will see how this is applied to real life so be prepared to change the ways you do things. For example, we were told to use chux when you change someone but in the LTC where I did my clinicals and where I work, they use washable/reusable incontinent pads (they also double as a lift sheet too!).

[AMR21, BSN, RN]

i always try to use a gait belt, even if i dont think its compeptely nessary. its just another but of safety assurance

[fire_fly]

Thanks everyone for answering my question. I really appreciate hearing from those who are working in the field.