Transfer to Stretcher/Shower Bed

Question 1

List the steps of the Transfer to Stretcher/Shower Bed procedure.

Answer 1

1. Do the initial steps procedure.
2. Loosen the sheet directly under the resident and roll the edges up close to the resident.
3. Place stretcher/shower bed at bedside. Make certain that the wheels are locked. After locking the wheels, ensure the bed and stretcher/shower bed are at the same height. Then lower the side rails.
4. Staff should be present at the bedside as well as on the opposite side of the stretcher/shower bed. (Requires a minimum of two staff members; however the number of staff required will depend on the size of the resident).
5. Staff should grasp the sheet on each side of the resident. On the count of three, slide the resident laterally onto the stretcher/shower bed.
6. Center and align the resident. Place a pillow under their head and cover with a blanket and raise the rails of the stretcher/shower bed.
7. Do the final steps procedure.

Question 2

What is the rationale for step “2. Loosen the sheet directly under the resident and roll the edges up close to the resident.”?

Answer 2

This sheet will be utilized to slide the resident from the bed to the stretcher.

Question 3

What is the rationale for step “3. Place stretcher/shower bed at bedside. Make certain that the wheels are locked. After locking the wheels, ensure the bed and stretcher/shower bed are at the same height. Then lower the side rails.”?

Answer 3

Wheels must be locked to prevent the stretcher from moving.

Question 4

What is the rationale for step “4. Staff should be present at the bedside as well as on the opposite side of the stretcher/shower bed.”?

Answer 4

To prevent the resident from falling/rolling off of the bed or stretcher.

Question 5

What is the rationale for step “5. Staff should grasp the sheet on each side of the resident. On the count of three, slide the resident laterally onto the stretcher/shower bed.”?

Answer 5

Counting to three enables staff members to work together to distribute the weight evenly and prevent injury to the resident and/or staff.

Question 6

What is the rationale for step “6. Center and align the resident. Place a pillow under their head and cover with a blanket and raise the rails of the stretcher/shower bed.”?

Answer 6

Places the resident in the proper position and alignment. The pillow provides comfort. The blanket maintains dignity, provides privacy, and keeps the resident warm. Raising the rails prevents injury to the resident.