bed making class?

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I just started the nursing program last week and tonight we talked about bed making (among other things). The entire time I was just sitting there thinking that it was the silliest class. I hate to sound snotty, but I don't really understand why a licensed professional like an RN should have to make the beds. The RN has so much more to worry about, why should the correct pleating of a sheet be one of those things???? Hopefully I'll never have to worry about making a hospital bed once I'm in the real world.

Do any of you feel this way?

Todd,

I thought the bedmaking class was patronising in the extreme...and I fully appreciate that I have to make beds. I make my patient's bed at least once a shift in the ICU.

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Todd,

I guess I can understand where you are comming from, because after my first week of nursing school our instructors have already put down phlebotomists, LPN's, and ADN's, and yes I'm in an ADN program. I started out as a MA, and am now a phlebotomist, well our first day a student asked if we were going to learn how to draw blood. My instructors reply was, "It is not an RN's responsability to draw blood, it is the job of the phleb and you can teach any monkey off the street how to draw blood." Like I said I am a phleb, and I really had to bite my tongue. Then when we were going over nursing roles a student asked about LPN's and the instructor stated that "We are only talking about professional nurses here." There are at least 5 LPN's in my program whom I can only hope that I get in a study group with them. Then we were told that it would be an absolute pitty and waste if we don't go on to get our BSN's. This is an ADN program and if you don't believe in it then don't teach it. I was just saying today that everyone should have to put in a few years as a CNA before they can be considered for nursing school. I know better because I have seen it, and done it, but for the 18-year-old fresh H.S. grads, they will more than likely graduate nursing school with a hollier than thou attitude, and feel that they paid there dues in nursing school, and they will never have to do it again.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

"Then when we were going over nursing roles a student asked about LPN's and the instructor stated that "We are only talking about professional nurses here." "

That instructor needs to lose the superiority complex, like i put in a previous post 'be nice to the people around you, you'll never know who you'll need to empty your bedpan".

People that make uppity comments such as hers have made themselves look VERY unprofessional.

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Exactly, and it is also how many new RN's entering the profession have the attitude they do. Especially those that have no prior medical experience. Everyone is important and vital to the healthcare team. Everyone needs and deserves respect, but I can honestly say that, I do understand why some have the superiority complex because of going through programs like this. It doesn't make it O.K. by any means, but it's just ignorance on their part for not understanding and not being taught how vital everyone is. I cannot wait to be done with this instructor, she's not very professional at all.

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Originally posted by twarlik

I just love how after making one comment regarding my distaste for bed making, then suddenly "nursing isn't for me." Let me say a few things. I realize that nursing isn't glamorous work. I realize that it can be a nasty, dirty job. I did a lot of research before making the decision to go back to nursing school. I am aware of what it entails.

For the last five years I've been working in an office environment. I understand the concept of teamwork probably better than anyone in my office. Even when I was in a senior position, I didn't think twice about sitting at the reception desk to answer phones why the receptionist was at lunch.

I realize that to some of you I'm just a young, dumb kid of 26. But in reality, I am a young professional who is in the middle of changing directions in my life. After reading my original post, I realize now that I perhaps came off as being a little unrealistic of my expectations. The truth is, I was tired and frustrated. You'll see that the post was written at 11:14 pm. Well, I had been at class all day. I should have just shared my frustrations with my partner and gone to bed. Of course, I chose to come here instead. Obviously not a good idea.

Again, I appreciate everyone's comments. Please remember that you can never judge a person based upon one post to this board. My reasons for going into nursing are many and intensely personal. It's been something I've thought about for many years but only recently had the courage to pursue.

Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed that someone made or what? :) Not judging, just responding, and trying to show

that, yup, some classes seem silly, hopefully your instructor can

give you the rationale for the classes that make it meaningful to you.

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Specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.
Originally posted by Shamrock

Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed that someone made or what? :) Not judging, just responding, and trying to show

that, yup, some classes seem silly, hopefully your instructor can

give you the rationale for the classes that make it meaningful to you.

Actually, no. I was just getting annoyed with it being suggested that I should reconsider my career choice based on one message I posted.

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Well, I just want to say that I had my first bedmaking experience today! I'm not that great at hospital corners! One poor guy had to stay after class to work on his... at least mine got signed off on! We also did handwashing and glove removing... I need to scrub better around my cuticles!

We had a very uncooperative "patient" in the bed during the occupied practice... but still got it signed off. Never thought I would be so happy with those initials!

Now at least when I ask a nurses aide to make a bed, I'll know what they are supposed to do!

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
Originally posted by Nurse2bSandy

Now at least when I ask a nurses aide to make a bed, I'll know what they are supposed to do!

:chuckle You'll get plenty of practice doing that as a nurse.

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When i'm a nurse i dont think i will ask a nurses aide for much of anything, unless i really, really need help. I say this because I know what its like to be a clerk and an aide and neither of them are glamourous jobs. I will be thankful for the 300% increase in my pay and go home exhausted but satisfied. I dont think unexperienced nurses really understand how much work nursing aides do, unless of course they were one themselves or at least worked on a unit.

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Well, you have to start at the beginning... and giving good nursing care does include changing soiled linens of your patient-

plus if you're doing it while the patient is in the bed. You certainly wouldn't want to wait to change them if they and their linens are soiled-

Good luck!:roll

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