Ambulate Patients
🔍 Skill Overview
Assisting residents with ambulation using a transfer belt is a fundamental CNA skill that combines safety, proper body mechanics, and resident support. This procedure demonstrates your ability to safely help residents maintain mobility while preventing falls. Proper technique is crucial for both resident safety and passing your skills test.
🧰 Required Equipment/Supplies
- Transfer (gait) belt
- Non-slip footwear
- Call light
- Chair (if needed for rest)
- Proper shoes for resident
- Documentation materials
⚡ Key Steps
- Pre-procedure
- Verify resident identity
- Explain procedure
- Check physician’s orders
- Assess resident’s condition
- Ensure proper footwear
- Place transfer belt correctly
- During procedure
- Position yourself properly
- Grasp transfer belt correctly
- Walk at resident’s pace
- Stay slightly behind and to side
- Monitor for fatigue
- Provide encouragement
- Maintain proper support
- Post-procedure
- Assist to chair/bed safely
- Remove transfer belt
- Ensure resident comfort
- Document activity
- Report any concerns
⚠️ Critical Points
- Proper belt placement
- Correct body mechanics
- Never pull resident
- Watch for fatigue signs
- Maintain safety
- Support but don’t restrict
- Stay within arm’s reach
✅ Skills Test Tips
- Check transfer belt fit
- Verbalize safety checks
- Walk on resident’s weak side
- Maintain proper positioning
- Monitor breathing/fatigue
- Demonstrate proper support technique
- Use clear, encouraging communication
📹 Video Demonstration
Watch our detailed video demonstration below to see proper ambulation technique with a transfer belt. This video covers all essential steps and safety measures required for your skills test.