Why Candidates Fail the Unoccupied Bed Making Skill
The most common failure is an infection control break — candidates touch the clean sheet after handling used linen, or carry the soiled linen against their uniform to the hamper. Mitered corners are specifically evaluated: they must be tight, neat, and properly tucked. Forgetting to lower the bed to its lowest position and raise both side rails after finishing is a standard endpoint error that fails many candidates who otherwise performed the skill correctly.
How this skill is evaluated
The evaluator scores each skill on a pass/fail checklist. You do not get partial credit. A single critical error — or several minor ones — will fail you on this skill entirely. You must pass all 5 randomly selected skills to pass the clinical exam.
The 5 Most Common Failure Points
Shaking soiled linens when removing them.
Not mitering the corners — hospital corners are evaluated.
Leaving wrinkles in the bottom sheet.
Placing the pillow so the open end of the pillowcase faces the door — a standard hospital convention violation.
Not raising the bed to a comfortable working height — using poor body mechanics.
Exactly What the Evaluator Is Watching
These are the specific checkpoints on the evaluator's score sheet for this skill.
- ✓
Soiled linens are rolled and never shaken.
- ✓
Fitted sheet corners are secure.
- ✓
Mitered corners are made at the foot of the bed.
- ✓
Top linens form a smooth cuff at the head.
- ✓
Pillowcase open end faces away from the door.
How to Avoid These Mistakes on Exam Day
These tips come from the most common failure patterns in Unoccupied Bed Making.
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Practice mitered corners until they are second nature.
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Smooth and taut is the goal — run your hand across the sheet before finishing.
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Pillowcase opening faces away from the door — this is a standard tested convention.
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Roll soiled linens away from your body into a bundle.
Practice the written exam too
The written NNAAP test covers the knowledge behind every clinical skill. 501 free questions.
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