Proper Body Mechanics and Patient Transfer Techniques for Nurses

This course provides an overview of safe patient mobility, positioning, and transfer techniques for nurses and other healthcare professionals who assist patients with limited mobility. Patients recovering from illness or injury, older adults, and individuals with physical disabilities often require assistance with moving in bed, transferring to chairs or wheelchairs, ambulating, and performing range of motion exercises. Proper mobility assistance is essential to maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility, promote circulation and respiratory function, support comfort and independence, and reduce the risk of complications such as falls, contractures, pressure injuries, and deconditioning.

The course will review the principles of body mechanics, ergonomics, and injury prevention to help protect both the patient and caregiver during mobility-related tasks. Participants will learn proper techniques for positioning patients in bed, assisting with ambulation, performing passive and active range of motion exercises, and safely using transfer devices and lifts. Emphasis will also be placed on recognizing a patient’s level of mobility, identifying when additional assistance is needed, and maintaining patient dignity, comfort, and safety throughout the care process.

Through practical guidance and real-world applications, this course aims to improve caregiver confidence and competence in assisting patients with mobility needs while reducing the risk of workplace injuries and patient harm.