If you're a nurse, occupational therapist or physical therapist, lifting and moving patients is a big  part of your job. You need to use proper techniques to ensure your back's safety of your patients. Try some of the following techniques when performing your on the job lifting and moving tasks. Turning the patient over with a draw sheet: (Draw sheet is placed under patient). The patient's bed is positioned no higher than your thigh region. Lower bed rails  if the patient is safe enough. Place the patient's crossed arms over chest and cross patient's legs. Place your knees on the bed near the patient's shoulder. Use the draw sheet  and your whole body to turn the patient toward you. Your back is in balance and knees are bent. Transferring the Patient from the bed to a wheelchair: Set the bed to its lowest height Lock the wheelchair's wheels Use your knees to support the patient's weak knees. Keep your back balanced and knees slightly bent. Rock the patient forward to a standing position. bend your knees to turn the lower the patient into the wheelchair. The patient can hold onto your shoulder or waist, not your neck, for support. Pulling The Patient Up From the Bed It's not easy as it looks. Use these tips to keep your back aligned to prevent injuries: The patients bed is positioned below your waist. Stand alongside the bed with knees bent, feet wide apart and facing the direction you'll move patient. Reach under the back and shoulders to slide the patient up. An able patient can push against mattress with elbows or feet to help you. Transferring The Patient from The Bed To A Gurney Get a partner to help. The bed and gurney must be next to each other, locked in place, and adjusted to the same height. To slide the patient more easily, place a plastic bag under the draw sheet. Put your knee on the gurney. you may need to get on the bed to move the patient closer to the gurney. Keep your back's three natural curves aligned as you move the patient to the edge of the gurney and then into the middle.