Linen Shortage

[Shiznitttt]

I need a little help with a linen shortage problem. We are always running low on linen (blankets, especially). We have ordered a lot of blankets in the past, make sure that they are sent out to linen service (we don't do our own linen). I am at my wits end when at the start of a day I have techs coming to tell me that we are out of linen already. Has anyone else had this problem? How did you solve it? Thanks, in advance.

[grimmy, RN]

we've had similar problems in the past, and we work hard at conserving blankets. no throwing them on the floor to clean up spills (unless they are huge), no throwing them on the floor after the pt is intubated, to cover up cords, etc. a pt gets some blankets, and they are kept with their bed. i am consistently amazed at how many people throw away our blue towels when they can be washed, sterilized, and used again. our pcts stock our blanket warmers, and i check the machine periodically during the day - no stealing hot blankets to keep warm unless you're going to use it for the rest of the day - or get a jacket.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I only throw out blue towels if they're completely shot.

We're going through a sheet shortage. No matter how many are ordered, it's never enough. And then our sjupervisor said to take the stained ones and put them in the plastic bin to be sent back for "deep clenaing". Heck if we did that with all the stained ones, we wouldn't have any sheets at all.

[Shiznitttt]

I only throw out blue towels if they're completely shot.

We're going through a sheet shortage. No matter how many are ordered, it's never enough. And then our sjupervisor said to take the stained ones and put them in the plastic bin to be sent back for "deep clenaing". Heck if we did that with all the stained ones, we wouldn't have any sheets at all.

We have a problem with staining! It is embarassing when a pt. asks if the sheets are clean due to all the staining! I almost wish we could have packs that would be charged to the patient (sheet, blanket X 2). This is a bad problem that faces many hospitals I guess.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

We have a problem with staining! It is embarassing when a pt. asks if the sheets are clean due to all the staining! I almost wish we could have packs that would be charged to the patient (sheet, blanket X 2). This is a bad problem that faces many hospitals I guess.

Oh, isn't THAT the truth!! When a pt. asked me if the sheets were clean, i wanted to crawl in a hole. there was one little circle-shaped stain at the foot of the bed that prompted that question. The pt. could be nervous enough about their surgery and then they're questioning if the sheets are clean?? They should never have to ask!

We started taking the thin white blankets and laying them over the sheet, opening them all the way out so that it's just the one layer. At least they are and appear to be clean that way.