How to make hospital beds without mattress covers?

[crunchytaco]

We don't have fitted mattress covers like other hospitals. We use sheets to cover the mattress. We tie the ends of1 side and put it over the mattress. Problem is, when I put it over the top part,there's not enough on the bottom to tie and the bottom part is not covered. What am I doing wrong

[Asystole RN]

No mitered corners? For shame.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

No mitered corners? For shame.

Use a flat sheet. Tuck in at the top with mitered corners.

I remember years ago when we changed beds daily. The top sheet would be moved to the bottom, fresh top sheet.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

We cannot put a fitted sheet on some of our beds...mainly the bariatric beds or some of the other speciality beds, like the low air loss ones or ones with lateral rotation. For those we just use a flat sheet.

[Hygiene Queen]

"Hospital corners" or mitered corners are your friend.

Even if the sheet doesn't wrap around the bottom, the fact that the top is mitered and all the rest is tightly tucked in, will keep the sheet in place.

Actually, if truth be told, a flat sheet can actually make a nicer bed than those icky stretchy elasticized sheets (which I hate with a passion).

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

Basic Training: How to Make a Bed With Hospital Corners Video - About.com - YouTube :)

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Use a flat sheet. Tuck in at the top with mitered corners.

I remember years ago when we changed beds daily. The top sheet would be moved to the bottom, fresh top sheet.

You don't still change beds daily?

[Asystole RN]

You don't still change beds daily?

I miter my corners...although I do not reuse sheets. :)

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

You don't still change beds daily?

No. I am on a rehab unit where we encourage pts to be out of bed more than in bed. Soiled sheets are changed. We usually do a

full bed change when pts are showered. This is a cost saving measure.