Changing sheets in an occupied can be performed in a breeze if you know how to do it well.  It may seem an impossible task at first but if you know the right way of proceeding, you can have the sheets changed in no time even if there is somebody lying on top of it.  It is important to change sheets every now and then to prevent the accumulation of bacteria as well as other impurities on the bed.  This can be brought on by perspiration and the warmth of the patient’s body can help these to reproduce and grow if the sheets are not removed.

You will have to perform this task especially if the patient is bedridden and cannot afford to move around a lot anymore.  If you think that this is a problem, then don’t worry here are the steps into changing sheets in an occupied bed.

First, you will have to greet and introduce yourself to the patient as you enter his or her room.  You will also have to explain what procedure you will be doing, which is to change his sheets.  Letting the patient know what will be done will help him relax rather than having him anticipate what you will be doing.  It will also provide an outlet for you to get a permission to do so.  After this, proceed to washing your hands properly in order to help prevent contagious diseases from spreading to your patient.  Wear a fresh pair of gloves before handling any of the patient’s things or bed sheets.

Next, you will have to lower the bed to a comfortable position where you can reach both sides easily.  Also make sure that your new sheets are within easy reach from where you are standing.  Raise the side rails of the bed to make sure that the patient will not fall out after you move him to one side of the bed.

Next, ask or assist the patient to lie down on his side and then pull the bed sheet towards the center to make sure that he will not roll over the sides accidentally.   After this, pull the ends of the sheet which are towards the back of the patient and begin to roll them towards the patient.  Roll them going inside and then tuck them near the back of the patient.

Place the ends of the new sheet at the edge of the bed making sure that there will be space enough for you to tuck the sheet under the bed.  Then, roll the remainder of the sheet towards the patient leaving the other half unrolled near the edge of the old sheet.  Have the patient lie down in a supine position and then ask him to roll towards the opposite side of his original position.  Then, roll the other side of the dirty sheet towards the edge of the bed and then place it in the appropriate container.  Unroll the clean sheet towards the end of the bed also and then tuck the edges underneath.  Put the patient in a supine position again and then place a blanket on him. Take off your gloves and dispose of them properly.

Watch this video on this CNA skill to learn how to change the sheets in an occupied bed:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWtvfeWY3qQ