Mobility
Consider whether the patient can sit, stand, step, transfer or walk independently or with assistance.
NurseNet Clinical Skills
Moving and Handling Patients for Student Nurses
Learn the principles of safer patient movement, including individual assessment, preparing the environment, using equipment correctly, supporting independence and protecting both patients and staff from harm.
Before every move
01
Assess the patient
Consider mobility, strength, cognition and pain.
02
Plan the move
Know what you are doing before you begin.
03
Prepare equipment
Use the correct aid for the individual patient.
04
Communicate
Explain the plan to the patient and team.
05
Stop if unsafe
Reassess when the situation changes.
Safer patient movement
Moving and handling is an assessment skill
Safe moving and handling begins before anyone physically moves the patient. The patient's current ability, clinical condition, pain, cognition, environment and available equipment all influence the safest approach.
Patients should be encouraged to participate in movement whenever they can do so safely. Supporting independence can preserve strength, confidence and dignity while reducing unnecessary manual assistance.
Student nurses should only use techniques and equipment they have been trained and assessed to use, and should seek appropriate supervision.
Never improvise a patient move because equipment, staff or time are
unavailable. If the planned move cannot be carried out safely, stop and seek help.
Patient assessment
What should you consider before moving a patient?
The safest method depends on the individual patient at that particular moment in time.
Strength and balance
Weakness, poor balance or fatigue may change the level of support needed.
Cognition
Confusion, delirium or difficulty following instructions can affect how safely a patient can participate.
Pain
Pain may restrict movement or make a previously safe transfer unsuitable.
Clinical condition
Dizziness, breathlessness, weakness or deterioration may require the moving plan to be reviewed.
Lines and devices
Consider IV lines, catheters, drains, oxygen and other equipment before movement begins.
A structured approach
A practical moving and handling process
Follow the patient's moving and handling plan and your organisation's local procedures.
1
Review the plan
Check the patient's current moving and handling assessment and any prescribed equipment or assistance requirements.
2
Assess the patient now
Confirm that their current mobility and condition still match the existing plan before starting.
3
Prepare the environment
Clear obstacles, position equipment and make sure there is enough space to complete the move safely.
4
Explain the movement
Tell the patient what will happen and how they can participate, checking that staff understand their roles.
5
Use the correct equipment
Apply the moving aid or equipment exactly as trained and according to local guidance.
6
Reassess afterwards
Check comfort, position, lines, call bell access and any change in the patient's condition following the move.
Equipment
Common moving and handling aids
Equipment varies between settings. Only use devices you have been trained to use and that are appropriate for the individual patient.
Slide sheets
May be used to reduce friction during repositioning when indicated by the patient's moving and handling plan.
Transfer aids
Some patients may use standing or transfer equipment depending on their assessed ability.
Hoists
Hoists require appropriate training, the correct sling and an individual assessment before use.
Walking aids
Frames, sticks and other mobility aids should be used according to professional assessment and the patient's care plan.
Wheelchairs
Check brakes, footplates, position and safe transfer arrangements before use.
Profiling beds
Bed positioning can support safer movement, repositioning and staff working posture when used appropriately.
Supporting independence
Do not do for the patient what they can safely do themselves
- Encourage the patient to participate in movement where safe.
- Allow time rather than rushing the transfer.
- Use clear instructions and check understanding.
- Make prescribed mobility aids easily accessible.
- Support independence without exceeding the patient's assessed ability.
- Recognise that ability may vary during the day or with illness and fatigue.
Safe moving and handling should protect independence and dignity as well
as reducing physical injury.
Common mistakes
What should student nurses avoid?
Assuming yesterday's plan is still safe
Mobility can change following deterioration, medication, surgery or fatigue.
Starting before equipment is ready
Stopping halfway through a move because equipment is missing can place everyone at unnecessary risk.
Poor communication
The patient and assisting staff should know what is happening before the movement starts.
Ignoring lines and attachments
Catheters, drains, IV lines and oxygen tubing can be displaced or pulled during movement.
Trying to manage alone
If the plan requires additional staff or equipment, wait until the correct support is available.
Using unfamiliar equipment
Never use a hoist, sling or transfer aid without appropriate training and supervision.
Patient safety
When should you stop and reassess?
A planned transfer should not continue if the situation becomes unsafe.
Stop if the patient's condition or ability changes unexpectedly.
Seek help if the patient becomes dizzy, weak, distressed, unable to follow instructions, develops significant pain or cannot complete the movement as expected. Follow local procedures and reassess the plan.
Documentation
Record meaningful changes
- Current mobility and level of assistance required.
- Moving and handling equipment required by the care plan.
- Any change in the patient's ability to transfer or mobilise.
- Pain, dizziness or other symptoms affecting movement.
- Incidents, near misses or difficulties during movement.
- Escalation and any subsequent change to the moving plan.
Clear documentation helps the next member of staff know how to move the
patient safely rather than repeating the assessment from scratch.
Student nurse focus
How to build confidence with moving and handling
Confidence comes from understanding why a particular technique or piece of equipment has been chosen for that patient.
- Read the patient's current moving and handling plan before helping.
- Learn the equipment commonly used in your placement area.
- Practise communication and coordinated team movement.
- Ask experienced staff to explain why one transfer method is safer than another.
- Observe how mobility changes after illness, surgery or medication.
- Never be afraid to stop a move that no longer feels safe.
Safe moving and handling is not about strength. It is about assessment,
planning, communication and using the right equipment correctly.
Next clinical skill
Next: Personal Care and Maintaining Dignity.
The next NurseNet guide covers personal hygiene, privacy, independence, observation and dignified fundamental nursing care.
Continue to personal care