Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

SIMPLE OCCUPIED BED

This is a type of bed made for an in-patient who remains in bed during the procedure. It is used when the patient has difficulty or is unable to get out of bed.

Purpose

  • Conserve the patient's energy
  • Ensure patient comfort and safety
  • Maintain cleanliness of the patient's bed
  • Reduce risk associated with prolonged exposure to soiled or wrinkled linen

Indications

  • Changing the bottom sheet while the patient remains in bed
  • Changing bed linen for a patient who cannot safely get out of bed
  • Changing the bottom sheet from side to side
  • Changing bed linen from top to bottom when clinically appropriate

Equipment

  • A trolley with the following items:
  • Two large cotton sheets (Bed linen)
  • One waterproof draw mackintosh or bed mat if necessary
  • One draw sheet
  • Pillow slips
  • One top sheet
  • Counterpane if necessary

Procedure steps

  • Establish rapport
  • Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain cooperation
  • Ensure privacy
  • Perform hand hygiene
  • Collect and arrange items on the trolley and bring them to the bedside
  • Arrange sheets in order of use on chairs or a heart table
  • Remove or safely reposition equipment attached to the bed as appropriate
  • Loosen sheets at the side of the bed and remove extra bedding while maintaining patient coverage
  • Leave the patient with appropriate pillow support and cover with the top sheet
  • Assist the patient to turn to the side away from the clean linen, using assistance where required
  • Roll the dirty bottom sheet toward the patient and use gloves when indicated
  • Place a clean rolled bottom sheet on the exposed portion of the bed
  • Create a mitered or envelope corner at the ends
  • Place the bed mat or draw mackintosh and draw sheet at the appropriate portion of the bed
  • Assist the patient gently onto the clean sheet
  • Remove the remaining dirty bottom sheet and place it in the appropriate receptacle
  • Pull the clean bottom sheet tightly and tuck it in
  • Assist the patient to turn onto the clean side as appropriate
  • Complete the remaining side of the bed
  • Spread the top sheet and counterpane if necessary
  • Cover the patient appropriately
  • Make the patient comfortable and ensure required items are within reach
  • Clear equipment and remove the screen
  • Perform hand hygiene
  • Document relevant findings and report abnormalities

Precautions

  • Maintain patient privacy and dignity
  • Assess the patient's mobility and condition before repositioning
  • Use adequate assistance when turning or repositioning
  • Use safe body mechanics
  • Maintain patient coverage to prevent unnecessary exposure
  • Keep bed brakes locked during the procedure
  • Use gloves when contact with body fluids or contaminated linen is anticipated
  • Do not shake dirty linen
  • Keep clean linen separate from soiled linen
  • Check intravenous lines, drains, catheters and other devices before and after repositioning
  • Avoid wrinkles in linen
  • Stop and seek assistance if the patient becomes unstable or distressed

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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