Question about transferring a patient

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Ok I am in my last two days of my CNA class and I really don't know what to do about this! I know the proper procedures for transferring and all that, but I'm a small girl and physically, have not been able to do it on my own. I'm 5'2" and weigh about 115 and just physically do not have any strength! How in the world do I move a patient? Even with help its been very very difficult for me to transfer patients from wheelchair to bed. And moving patients with a draw sheet is also difficult. I can barely get them up like an inch where my partner is getting them much further up. The state test is coming up the first week of January. What do I do if I get transferring? We have to do the state exam on actual residents and of all the ones I've worked with so far, there's not a single one I could do on my own. Everyday when I leave, my entire body is sore, especially my arms and legs! How do I overcome this?

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Do they teach you squat pivot or bobath transfers in school? These transfers are based on leverage not strenght. However at 5'2' and 115 lbs, you are not going to be able to transfer some patients that others may be able to. I would think the most important thing in your testing would be knowing when to ask for the help of another person. The last thing you want to do it hurt yourself or drop the patient... (This causes all kinds of paperwork :o() And, no future employer should expect you to do an unsafe transfer.

Also every hospital I've worked has a Hoyer or other type of lift, I use them frequently.

Most importantly don't ever be shy about asking for help.

Good Luck.

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Yes! I have to agree, please don't ever be shy on asking for help to transfer a pt!

I had similar situations in the beginning of being a CNA. Strength/tolerance does build up over time. I am 5'7" and barely over 100 lbs (not by choice..haha) and have been questioned many times of my capability of transfering (by the pt or family). I use the squat and pivot method. Get myself up as close as possible to the pt and wheelchair (after making sure the chair is as close to the bed).

But again please ask for help. An idea for wheelchair to bed transfer, make it into a 2 person transfer (if allowed for the test) to show your skills of proper body mechanics.

Now Transfering pt's is more common in nursing homes than in hospitals. Majority of the time a hoyer lift is used at hospitals and you have a lift team! So if you need help you call them. Very nice!

Good luck to you and your upcoming test.

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Specializes in ICU. Med/Surg: Ortho, Neuro, & Cardiac.

Squat and pivot...I agree. Also, I'd use a gait belt; they take up some extra time but really come in handy.

Remember, the calf muscles are designed to bear the most weight. You'd be surprised how much strength you have when you use them.

I also don't see why you wouldn't be allowed to have help, even if the pt is listed as a one-person assist. You'd have to describe what the person assisting you is supposed to do as if they've never done it before and demonstrate that you can perform the skill. I mean, we're talking about your safety and the resident's safety.

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also, there's no crime in placing your knee on the bed,when u & partner are lifting res upward in bed, get in real close, and try to roll your lifter somewhat before tugging upward.I/m 5'2,105 -112 #s and have ended up in bed w/ the res,but I've never dropped any one. & gait belts are worth the time!place your knee b/t pt's knees,have him/her wrap hands around your neck,& pivot. always tell res the plan before moving, and move on the count of three.some times,it's best not to lock the w/c, so yiu can push it away w/ your foot, or thigh( 2 person lift)

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When comes to the gait belt, Use it. You should never be shy about asking for help because if you are nervous about lifting someone by yourself, the person you are lifting well become nervous too.When ever you touch the patient or the patient's things, including the bed, with any of your body part; one thing should pop right into your head and that is infection control. When it comes to using the calf muscles, they can carry a good amount of weight, but the powerhouse muscles of your whole body are your superior leg muscles. Remember that you use these muscles every day so the should be in good shape. Also where you ever taught the teeter-tooter method for moving someone? It is very useful if you are much smaller than the person you are lifting. Also good luck.

The readiness is all,

Fortous

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Specializes in CNA - starting LPN school January 2009!!.

As far as your test, I wouldn't worry yoursellf too much. If you get transferring, you will be performing the task on a fellow CNA test-taker, not a patient. So, they will be able to stand, pivot, etc. with ease. You are just really demonstrating to the rater that you know how to go through the motions.

Once you actually get out on the floor, the best recommendation I can make is to use your gait belt, and get the wheelchair as close to the bed as possible. And, don't underestimate the value of talking to the resident before you attempt to transfer - the resident may have a "usual" way of gettting up that allows them to help you - they may just want you to help them get their legs in a dangling position, and then they can scooch themslves into a standing position.

I also second the poster who daid getting into bed with the patient and or kneeling on the patient's bed is a bad idea. That is horrible infection control, and I know at my facility, if a CNA did that while State was here on an inspection, our facility would be in huge trouble, and likely that CNA would lose their job.

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