Turning & positioning in bed

Reposition on the care plan's schedule (usually every 2 hours), use the draw sheet to move the client — never drag skin across the sheets — and pad between bony points with pillows.

1. 1Tell the client the plan; raise the bed to your hip height if adjustable; lower the head of the bed flat if tolerated.
2. 2Use the draw sheet with a helper when the plan calls for two people — roll the sheet edges close to the body, lift-and-slide on a count of three.
3. 3Side-lying position: pillow behind the back, pillow between the knees and ankles, lower shoulder pulled slightly forward so they're not lying on it.
4. 4Keep the head of the bed at or below 30° for skin protection (unless a feeding/breathing order says otherwise); raised higher increases tailbone pressure.
5. 5Never drag: friction and shear tear fragile skin. Lift or roll instead.
6. 6Check skin at every turn and log the position and time if the plan requires a turn schedule.