You’re caring for a resident recovering from back surgery, and it’s time for a linen change. You can’t just ask them to roll over—their spine needs to stay perfectly straight. This is where logrolling becomes an essential skill for protecting their recovery and keeping them comfortable.
What is Logrolling?
Logrolling is a patient positioning technique used to turn a resident while keeping their spine, head, and neck in a straight, aligned line. Imagine a log rolling down a hill; it doesn’t twist or bend, it rotates as a single unit. This technique is critical for residents with spinal injuries, spinal surgery, or hip replacements to prevent injury or dislocation.
Why Logrolling Matters in Your Daily Care
Using proper logrolling techniques prevents serious complications like further spinal injury or extreme pain. When you twist a resident’s body incorrectly, you risk damaging surgical sites or causing dislocations in hip replacements. It also protects your back by encouraging teamwork and proper body mechanics. Keeping the resident aligned promotes dignity by minimizing pain during necessary care tasks like changing briefs or sheets.
What You’ll See During Your Shift
You will perform logrolling during bed baths, linen changes, repositioning schedules, or when checking skin integrity on residents with spine precautions. You will likely work with a partner or use a draw sheet to move the resident smoothly.
“Alright Mrs. Higgins, we need to change your linens. I’m going to have you cross your arms over your chest. My partner and I will turn you together on the count of three. Keep your legs straight, and let us do the work.”
Common Pitfall & Pro Tip
⚠️ Pitfall: Forgetting to cross the resident’s arms over their chest before the turn. If their arms are at their sides, they can get trapped under the body or pulled awkwardly, causing shoulder injury or discomfort.
Pro Tip: Use a draw sheet whenever possible. It creates a “sling” that holds the resident’s hips and shoulders together, ensuring they move as one solid unit. Always count “1, 2, 3” out loud to ensure synchronized movement with your partner.
Memory Aid for Logrolling
Think “Like a Log”: No twisting, no bending, just one solid roll.
Or remember: “Straight as a Board” – keep the head, spine, and hips in one straight line throughout the entire turn.
State Test Connection
Logrolling is a specific skill tested on CNA exams, often under “Positioning a Resident on their Side” or “Changing an Occupied Bed.” You must demonstrate locking the bed, placing the pillow correctly between the knees, and maintaining spinal alignment throughout the procedure.
Related Care Concepts
Logrolling connects directly to body mechanics (using your legs correctly to avoid injury), alignment (keeping the body straight to prevent contractures or pressure), and pressure ulcer prevention (turning residents safely). It is also vital when caring for residents with hip replacements to prevent dislocation.
Quick Reference
✓ Key steps: Cross arms over chest, place pillow between knees, use draw sheet, count to 3 ✓ When to use: Spinal surgery, back injury, hip precautions, or pain upon twisting ✓ Care reminders: • Lock the bed wheels before starting • Ensure at least 2 caregivers or a mechanical lift/draw sheet • Keep head aligned with spine (don’t let the head lag) • Support the leg on top with a pillow to maintain hip alignment
Bottom line: Logrolling is all about teamwork and alignment. When you move your resident as a single unit, you ensure their safety and comfort while showing respect for their healing body.