Dirty bed sheets/RN/CNA/UAP/CP

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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?

I totally understand what you are trying to say. We were taught not to do that in school because it spreads bacteria. We were even taught not to do that with clean linens! I also understand what some of the other commenters were trying to say about it's not your place to correct a person with a license. HOWEVER, we were also taught that if you see something going on during clinicals that could be harmful to someone, to tell someone! Maybe not necessarily the sheets, but you should always be analyzing your environment to make sure it is safe for your patients. It seems like you have a great spirit for making sure your patients are cared for and attention to detail. Is it better to upset someone and help your patient, or not upset someone and standby while potential harm befalls your patient?

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Specializes in Cardiac Stepdown, PCU.

I get what you're saying. So, since you know who tends to straighten the linens in this manner, why don't you either just go "here, I'll help you" and proceed to make it so said persons can't toss them into the air, or just say "Oh I'll do that, thank you." and straighten the bed instead of the CNA?

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