Occupied Bed Making in Nursing: Purpose, Procedure, Precautions

When providing care to a patient who is utilizing a bed in a medical facility, medical staff should adhere to the Occupied Bed Procedure. The technique incorporates measures to guarantee the patient's security, convenience, and wellbeing during their stay.

 The process involves determining the patient's condition and needs, administering treatment, keeping track of the patient's vitals, noting any variations in the patient's condition, and coordinating with other medical staff. The method also details the actions that must be taken to ensure the patient's timely and safe discharge.

An "occupied bed" refers to a bed in hospitals or other medical clinic that is presently being used by a patient. A bed with a sleeping person in it is the polar opposite of a bed with no one there. Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, generally keep tabs on their occupied beds so that they can accurately predict how many beds will be needed to treat new patients.

Purpose of Occupied of Bed Making

An occupied bed serves its occupant well as a place to get some shut-eye and recharge. Its other primary application is in the medical field, where it serves as a place for patients to recuperate after an injury or illness or where they receive ongoing treatment for a long-term health problem.

In addition to sleeping, an occupied bed can be used for other therapeutic or recreational purposes, like reading, watching TV, or doing anything else that helps one relax and feel better.

Beds in a hospital or other medical facility that are currently being used to provide care to a patient or other individual are categorized as "occupied beds" for the purposes of administrative reporting. Hospital beds for inpatients and outpatients are both fair game.

Things required for occupied bed making

Here is the list of things required for a perfect occupied bed making:

• Bed spreader
• Mattress protector
• Comforter
• Blanket
• Pillowcase
• Clean sheets

Procedure in occupied bed making

It is the goal of the Occupied Bed Procedure, a set of guidelines established by the hospital, to maximize the effectiveness and safety of bed utilization. With this method, available hospital beds may be used effectively, and patients can rest assured that they will be cared for in the best possible conditions.

Assessing the need for hospital bed

A bed's necessity is determined at the outset of Occupied Bed Procedure. A number of factors must be considered, such as the health of the patient and the availability of hospital beds.

Determining bed type

It is necessary to choose the most suitable bed for the patient, taking into account the patient's health and the hospital's bed inventory.

Placing patient in hospital bed

A bed has indeed been chosen, and the patient should be moved to it. This entails giving the sufferer all of the necessities, such as soft, cozy sheets.

Monitoring patient’s condition

When a patient is in bed, they need to be constantly checked on by a nurse or doctor. The patient's condition will be evaluated by keeping an eye on things like their temperature and heart rate.

Additional procedure to follow

• Clear your hands of dirt and grime. Use gloves.
• Gather all necessary tools and materials (ex. clean linens & pillows). Gather materials in the sequence of their use: Bed skirts, mattress protectors, top sheets, flat sheets, blankets, bedspreads, and pillowcases.
• Be sure to keep the clean sheets and towels away from the body while you transport them. Flip the stack of towels over and set them on a clean, handy surface.
• Bring the mattress up to your level. Be mindful of your body mechanics and employ them effectively. Do not hang your body weight over the side of the bed. When working on one side of the bed, lower the rails on that side.
• The worn bedding should be taken out and folded up.  Put them down on a fresh table or counter. You shouldn't shake bedsheets because that spreads dust mites and other germs around the room.
• Make sure to loosen the covers on the portion you will be working on. Loosen the top sheet there at foot of the bed and the bottom flat sheets at the head of the bed. A top sheet or bath blanket should be left on the patient to keep them warm and private.

Precautions for occupied bed making

Nursing assistants must be able to make beds in order to maintain a sanitary environment, avoid skin breakdown as well as the transmission of infection, and show respect for their residents' dignity. At the very least, linens must be changed on a weekly basis, and more often if they get dirty.

When making mattresses, remember these tips for preventing the spread of germs:

• Your outfit should never come into contact with any kind of linens.
• Do not reuse bed linens from a different room.
• Wet or dirty bedding should never be dropped on the floor.
• If fresh towels or sheets get dirty by coming into contact with the floor, they must be tossed into the dirty pile.
• Airborne viruses can be disseminated by shaking bed linens.
• Clean bed sheets should be kept in a locked closet or a cart with a lid.
• After care
• Make sure the patient is relaxed and at ease.
• Clean up the space.
• To correct this, simply swap out the articles in question.
• In accordance with hospital protocol, dispose of or send dirty linens for laundering.
• Take off your gloves and clean your hands.
• If you see anything unusual, such a bed sore, swelling, redness, etc, contact medical supervisor.
• Clean your hands thoroughly.
• Make sure the person is okay and see if they need anything else.
• Make sure that bed is tucked under the smallest possible frame and fastened. Make that the brakes are working properly.
• The door must be unlocked and the curtain must be drawn.
• Hygiene of the hands is required.