Why put a pillow between the knees?

It keeps the legs aligned and stops bony areas from pressing together, which helps prevent pressure injuries.

How often should residents be repositioned?

As often as the care plan says. Many residents who cannot move themselves are repositioned at least every two hours.

Positioning a resident on their side: CNA skills test steps

Updated November 12, 2026 · Reviewed against official sources

With the bed flat and wheels locked, move the resident toward you, turn them onto their side facing the raised side rail or away from you per your handbook, and support the back, upper arm and upper leg with pillows so the body stays aligned and bony areas do not touch.

Your state's nurse aide candidate handbook is the authority on exam format, skills lists and scoring. This page explains the general picture and links the official sources.

Steps

KEYmarks 6 steps that candidate handbooks commonly treat as critical. Missing a critical step usually fails the skill.

1Knock, introduce yourself by name and title, and greet the resident by name.
2Identify the resident (for example, check the name band or ask the resident to state their name) per facility policy.
3Explain the procedure in simple words and ask the resident to help as much as they are able.
4Key step: Provide privacy: close the door and pull the curtain.
5Key step: Perform hand hygiene before touching the resident.
6Raise the bed to a safe working height, lock the wheels and lower the head of the bed flat if allowed.
7Raise the side rail on the side the resident will face (if rails are used), so the resident cannot roll off.
8Move the resident's body toward you in sections (head and shoulders, hips, legs).
9Cross the resident's arm over the chest and the far leg over the near leg toward the direction of the turn.
10Turn the resident gently onto their side, placing your hands at the shoulder and hip.
11Place a pillow behind the back for support.
12Key step: Support the upper arm on a pillow and place a pillow between the knees and lower legs so the knees and ankles do not touch.
13Make sure the resident is not lying on the lower arm and the head is supported and aligned.
14Key step: Return the bed to its lowest position and make sure the wheels are locked.
15Key step: Place the call light and personal items within the resident's reach.
16Key step: Open the privacy curtain, perform hand hygiene, and report anything unusual to the nurse.

Common mistakes

Turning the resident toward the open side of the bed with no rail or helper.
Leaving knees and ankles touching.
Resident lying on their own arm.
Forgetting to lower the bed afterward.

Quick answers

Why put a pillow between the knees?: It keeps the legs aligned and stops bony areas from pressing together, which helps prevent pressure injuries.
How often should residents be repositioned?: As often as the care plan says. Many residents who cannot move themselves are repositioned at least every two hours.

What to do next

Skills and the written test are scored separately, and you must pass both. Check your written readiness in about 15 minutes.

Take the free 20-question test

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026. Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.