Safe Transfer of Patients

Transferring patients from a gurney or OR table involves specific methods and safety rules. Are you under the impression that this is done the same in every facility, or have you had the experience in finding out it is not?

The truth of the matter is, each facility has their own way of transferring patients, just like each facility has their own way of doing lots of different things. You may find yourself being corrected by staff members who would prefer you do it their way. Don’t second guess yourself if this happens. You are not wrong in the way you do it. You just do it differently. You may think it doesn’t matter how the patient is transferred, as long as the patient and you are safe. But you will soon find out on the next assignment that they have a different way of doing it as well. It’s one of those areas of healthcare that simply differs from place to place, but it’s not something to stress about.

There are as many different ways to move a patient as there are patients! Some facilities use short rollers while some use a well folded sheet around the roller to alleviate the strength it takes to move a patient. Some facilities can’t be bother folding a sheet and are just fine using a small towel. There are long rollers and slides made from plastic and there’s also lifts. The lift could look like a mid century torture device if you didn’t know any different. It’s a metal bed frame (sans bed) attached to a leather sling with straps. The sling is placed under the patient and suspended in the frame, sort of like you would be if you laid in a hammock.  You may find yourself praying the straps will hold, especially if the patient is somewhat obese, but although they are not pleasant to use for lifting, they are made very strongly.

When transferring patients to the OR, a gurney is the mode of choice for most hospitals. Outpatient facilities sometimes use a wheelchair is the patient can sit up, or sometimes patients even walk on their own steam right into the OR. That seems pretty unusual, but perhaps it helps to calm the patient’s fears about the surgery.

Regardless of the methods of transfer that you have used or are aware of, don’t assume everyone does it the same. It is a good idea when you arrive at the facility and get acquainted to find out what method they prefer. Don’t be shy because you think they may perceive your question to mean you do not know how to do it. Simply explain that it’s your observation that it is done differently, and you want to do it they way they wish you to. That should make them have confidence in you right away.