Dirty bed sheets/RN/CNA/UAP/CP

Atl-Murse · Jul 11, 2017

Are you suggesting a new clean sheet be used every time you straightening out a bed.... about 5 times a day X 150 residents/patient ! Admin will fired super fast for waste and laundry techs will slash your tires for increased work load. You are a nursing student, your knowledge of real nursing is limited. Your main reason at the facility is to learn not change policies/process

MPKH, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2017

So do you get a new sheet everytime you make your bed at home?

TriciaJ, RN · Jul 11, 2017

Is it the flapping of the bed linens that you object to? I was taught never to flap bed linens because it does send microorganisms flying helter-skelter. But as Atl-Murse said, you are not there to change policy. Part of your learning will include examples of what not to do.

You said "I feel this is unsanitary". Sanitation doesn't depend on what you feel. Do some research and find the latest evidence on this practice. It's either sanitary or not, and you can govern yourself accordingly. Might be a good topic to discuss in post-conference.

beekee · Jul 11, 2017

Eh, just stop straightening the sheet. Problem solved.

aname · Jul 11, 2017

Is it the flapping of the bed linens that you object to? I was taught never to flap bed linens because it does send microorganisms flying helter-skelter.

I think this is what OP was getting at. I learned this is my nursing assistant class. Is not flapping the sheets a guideline that's not normally followed?

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Jul 11, 2017

As a student: not your place, not your problem. Even if you have good intentions, you risk seriously ticking some off both nurses and management (who could be potential employers or references someday). It would be like visiting an acquaintance's house as a guest, then explaining to your host how they ought to do a better job of cleaning their kitchen.

When you are a nurse you can do things your own way, and if you feel really strongly about the issue you can champion the topic through a task force or committee if you can find evidence to support your case.

Sour Lemon · Jul 11, 2017

I am a nursing student, and I've noticed at my clinical rotations that some RN's, CNA and other staff members will fix a patients bed (with the used sheets). I'm not saying this part is bad because the sheets don't look soiled or anything. Sometimes the patients want to sit in the chair and make the bed look nice. But I've noticed more than 3 times that the staff members will grab the sheet lift it up in the air back down to straighten it out. And I HATE this, because who knows what kind of stuff could be on the linen that you can't see! I swear I feel like stuff flies at me When they do this ! I just feel like it's not sanitary. Should I say something or is this okay? I'm honestly unsure. Please me help me! Should I be concerned?

You're going to have SO many other things to worry about besides bed sheets. :roflmao:

Have you come in contact with semi-private rooms where patients are separated by a curtain hanging from the ceiling? I've never seen or heard of those being washed and I cringe every time I accidentally touch one. Still, I am alive and apparently healthy. :up:

BSN16 · Jul 11, 2017

yup i change my bed sheets every time after i sit/lay on them at home! *eye roll*

Mr.Bill RN, BSN · Jul 11, 2017

Here's my personal two cents.... Changing bed sheets is gross, and so is dealing with dookies and pee. But if you enjoy changing sheets become a nursing assistant, IT'S FUN.

Ladyscrubs · Jul 11, 2017

And I HATE this, because who knows what kind of stuff could be on the linen that you can't see! I swear I feel like stuff flies at me When they do this ! I just feel like it's not sanitary. Should I say something or is this okay? I'm honestly unsure. Please me help me! Should I be concerned?

No, flinging sheets is not the best practice and neither is throwing linens on the floor instead of in the dirty linen hamper. You don't like it? YOU be the change agent. YOU teach/practice by example. Yes bed making falls under personal hygiene, bed making 101. You should wear gloves if the linens are soiled and you keep the linens away from your scrubs when throwing them in the linen hamper. And yes you should avoid shaking the linens since this can spread micro-organisms.. This is a great post conference topic, and if you were my student I would throw you a Snicker's bar. :up:

Budgeting on the floor is all the rage, we are instructed to change bed linen every other day or when soiled. I personally change pillowcases with my HS care, which by the way includes oral care/teeth brushing and a complementary back rubâ€”I stop at the mint on the pillow.

JKL33 · Jul 12, 2017

You are correct, used linen shouldn't be fluffed/shaken/floated up into the air, nor should it be carried in a way that allows it to touch your uniform. Personally I wad it all towards the center and into a big ball bottom-side out. Efficient.

I suspect you've received a couple of harsh replies because there are much, much bigger fish to fry. You do it the proper way, and let others worry about how they do it. Talking about it in post-conference is a fantastic idea.

Try not to get too disgusted too early in the game with this 'stuff floating in the air' concern. Wait till you take off a pair of socks someone's been wearing for "awhile" and have to examine them to make sure no actual toes came off with them....in addition to the floating dried skin that wafts up into your face