One of the basic procedures that nursing personnel perform most frequently is that of changing the patient’s position.

Any position, even the most comfortable one, will become unbearable after a period of time. Whereas the healthy person has the ability to move at will, the sick person’s movements may be limited by disease, injury, or helplessness. It is often the responsibility of the practical nurse to position the patient and change his position frequently.

Once the patient is able to ambulate, certain precautions must be taken to ensure the patient’s safety.