Don’t know what occupied bed-making is in nursing? Well, it is a type of bed-making where you have to prepare the bed or readjust it regularly while the patient is still occupying the bed itself. And sure, it sounds like a kinda tough task, which it probably is, and that’s the reason why you should know how to do it properly and what things to keep in mind. So, here we are just with that, a guide on not just letting you know why occupied bed making is so important in nursing, but also the proper procedure and the precautions to follow as well. Alright, that’s enough of the intro stuff, let’s get to the actual bed making talk.

Purpose of Occupied Bed Making

Alright, we’ll keep it short, simple, and easy to understand, so, the occupied bed-making is done to ensure that patients who cannot leave their beds stay comfortable, clean, and safe. That’s all. Now, let’s just go a little bit in-depth, shall we?

• As you may if a person must lie in bed for long periods because of sickness or injury, it is possible that over time their bed gets a whole lot of wrinkles and gets dirty over time, which is not pleasant and comfortable at all. And that’s precisely why occupied bed-making is something super important for such parties.
• Along with avoiding spreading bacteria and viruses, having clean linens is most important to patients whose immune systems may be weak or who are at greater risk of infection, you know
• And just so you know, patients confined to bed are at greater risk of bedsores or pressure ulcers. Changing the bed regularly, ensuring there is no wrinkling of it, and the patient is dry are the basic preventive measures.
• The last one is actually related to dignity and satisfaction. How? Well, when patients are in a hospital or healthcare facility and they are recovering when lying on a clean and comfortable bed, it makes them feel like they are well taken care of and that’s why they usually recover fast.

Things That Are Needed For Occupied Bed Making In Nursing

To make an occupied bed, you’ll need a few basic items, but like what? Here are a few examples:

• Clean Bed Linens: These include a bottom sheet (either flat or fitted), a draw sheet, a top sheet, a blanket, and pillowcases.
• Mattress Protector: This helps protect the mattress from getting wet or soiled, you know?
• Pillowcases and Blankets: Then, depending on the patient’s needs, extra blankets might be needed for warmth.
• Gloves: For hygiene and protection against infection.
• Laundry Bag: Of course, to collect the dirty linens without contaminating other surfaces.

As a nurse in a healthcare facility or hospital, if you have these items or things by your side at the time of making the bed, it’ll be much easier and faster for you to make a perfect occupied bed for the patient.

Procedure of Occupied Bed Making

When making a bed with a patient still in it, you have to pay extra special attention to their comfort and safety. You must follow these directions:

• You really need to wash your hands and put on gloves, that’s the very first step. Also, tell the patient what you are going to do because this will calm them down. Ensure that you have all the materials within easy reach.
• Ensure that you have the bed raised to a comfortable height that will not cause you back strain. And yes, make sure that you have the side bed rails up as the patient will be safer that way.
• In a careful gentle way, roll the person to one side so as to make sure they are in a comfortable position. If necessary, offer the patient some pillows for extra security. And just so you know, the side rail should be kept up all the time.
• You slowly loosen the linen, roll the dirty linen away from the patient, and lastly, put them in the laundry bag so that it would not be contaminated.
• Spread the clean bottom sheet and draw sheet on the bed, making sure that there are no wrinkles so as to prevent the patient from getting pressure on the skin, you know? Sure, do not forget to tuck the sheets securely under the mattress.
• Gently roll the patient onto the clean side. Move to the other side of the bed to remove the remaining dirty linen, then attribute it to the clean sheets, following the same process.
• Make the necessary adjustments for the top sheet and blanket. Don’t forget to make sure they are not tight around the patient. Also, see if they are comfortable and if they need any adjustments. Place pillows and any supportive items under their head as needed.

Precautions in Occupied Bed Making

Alright, now onto the precaution side of things with occupied bed making, and you might think like what could go wrong with this one? Well, a lot, not for you though, but for your patient That’s why, these are the key precautions:

• Hand Hygiene: Of course, wash hands before and after handling linens, you can just wear gloves to prevent contamination.
• Avoid Linen Contamination: Make sure to always keep clean sheets from touching the floor or unclean surfaces, that’s the basics.
• Infection Control: Don’t shake sheets during removal to prevent airborne bacteria or viruses, and you know why.
• Patient Safety: Raise bed rails during patient turns to prevent falls. Ensure medical devices remain untangled.
• Skin Check: Inspect the patient’s skin for redness, swelling, or sores. If something is there, just report any issues immediately.
• Body Mechanics: Now something for the nurses, bend your knees and use your legs when lifting or turning the patient to avoid injury.
• Smooth Sheets: Remove wrinkles to prevent discomfort and pressure sores, which makes a big difference, to be honest.

Conclusion

There you have it. With these points in mind, you can literally prepare the best occupied bed you have never made. And it is not like a one-time thing, if you are a nurse, you’ll regularly be engaged in occupied bed making, so knowing these points, factors, proper procedure, and precautions are super important for you.