NCLIP

Making an Unoccupied Bed

2 min read

Making an Unoccupied Bed

Key Points

  • Bed making supports infection prevention, resident dignity, and skin protection.
  • Linens are changed at least weekly or sooner if soiled.
  • Smooth, wrinkle-free linens and correct low-locked bed setup reduce injury risk.

Equipment

  • Clean fitted sheet (or flat bottom sheet per facility standard)
  • Lift sheet and waterproof soaker pad
  • Flat top sheet and blanket/bedspread
  • Pillowcase(s)
  • Gloves
  • Linen bag or facility-approved soiled-linen container
  • Hand hygiene supplies and approved bed-surface disinfectant if needed

Procedure Steps

  1. Perform routine pre-procedure actions: knock, identify resident, explain procedure, provide privacy, and complete hand hygiene (supports dignity and safety).
  2. Prepare a clean barrier surface and place clean linens in planned order.
  3. Don gloves and inspect bed for personal belongings, then return items appropriately.
  4. Untuck and roll soiled linens toward center, then place directly in soiled-linen container (do not place on floor or carry between rooms).
  5. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
  6. If bed surface is soiled, disinfect per policy and allow complete drying before remaking.
  7. Apply fitted sheet with seams away from resident contact surfaces; smooth all wrinkles.
  8. Position lift sheet from estimated shoulder-to-hip area and place waterproof pad on top.
  9. Place top sheet and create mitered corners at foot of bed.
  10. Add blanket or bedspread based on resident preference and miter as needed.
  11. Place pillow into pillowcase with open end away from door and position at head of bed.
  12. Complete post-procedure safety checks: hand hygiene, bed low and locked, call light in reach, restore room privacy state, and report abnormal findings to nurse.

Common Errors

  • Shaking linens during handling → aerosolizes contaminants and increases infection risk.
  • Reusing linens that touched floor → introduces environmental contamination.
  • Leaving linen wrinkles under resident contact points → increases risk for skin breakdown.
  • Failing to lock bed and place call light within reach → increases fall and delayed-assistance risk.

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