Occupied Bed Change — Practice Checklist

Check each step as you complete it during practice. All 21 steps must be performed in the correct order. Use this checklist until the sequence is automatic.

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Step-by-Step Procedure (21 steps)

1.
Gather equipment: fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcase, drawsheet or incontinence pad, gloves.
2.
Wash hands.
3.
Identify the resident and explain the procedure.
4.
Provide privacy.
5.
Raise the bed to a comfortable working height; raise the side rail on the far side.
6.
Lower the side rail on your side.
7.
Loosen all linens from the mattress, starting on your side.
8.
Assist the resident to turn away from you onto their side (toward the raised rail).
9.
Roll soiled linens toward the resident and tuck them under their body.
10.
Place the clean fitted sheet on your half of the mattress; tuck it in at the head and foot.
11.
Roll the remaining clean sheet toward the resident against the soiled linens.
12.
Raise the side rail on your side; move to the other side and lower the far rail.
13.
Assist the resident to roll over the rolled linens to the clean side.
14.
Remove soiled linens by rolling them away from you; place in the soiled laundry — do not shake.
15.
Pull the clean sheets through and tuck in on this side.
16.
Reposition the resident in the center of the bed in a comfortable position.
17.
Change the pillowcase.
18.
Raise appropriate side rails; lower the bed to the lowest position.
19.
Place the call light within reach.
20.
Remove gloves; wash hands.
21.
Document linen change and any skin observations.

Evaluator Pass Criteria (5 checkpoints)

All of these must be observed for you to pass this skill.

Soiled linens are rolled inward — never shaken or held against the uniform.
Clean linens are rolled against the soiled linen, not brought into contact with the floor.
Side rails are raised on the far side before the resident rolls.
Resident is repositioned comfortably in the center of the bed.
Bed is lowered and call light is accessible before leaving.

Critical Mistakes — Avoid These

⚠
Shaking soiled linens — this spreads microorganisms into the air.
⚠
Allowing clean linens to touch the floor.
⚠
Not raising the side rail before rolling the resident over it.
⚠
Leaving lumps or wrinkles under the resident — skin breakdown risk.
⚠
Forgetting to change the pillowcase.

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