Bed Making in Nursing: Types of Hospital Beds, Principles, and Procedures

 

Bed Making in Nursing: A Complete Guide for Students and Healthcare Professionals

Bed making is a fundamental nursing skill that plays a vital role in patient comfort, safety, hygiene, and recovery. Proper bed making not only improves the patient’s physical well-being but also reflects the quality of nursing care provided in a healthcare setting.

This comprehensive guide explains bed making in nursing, including objectives, principles, types of hospital beds, procedures, and special beds used for different patient conditions.

What Is Bed Making in Nursing?

Bed making is a nursing procedure that involves preparing, cleaning, and arranging a patient’s bed to ensure comfort, safety, and infection prevention. Hospital beds are designed to support patient care and allow nurses to perform procedures efficiently.

Patients may spend many hours or days in bed, making correct bed preparation essential for promoting rest, preventing complications, and maintaining ward cleanliness.

The Hospital Bed Explained

A hospital bed is a bes used in the hospital specially designed to meet both patient and nursing needs. Unlike ordinary beds, hospital beds are adjustable, mobile, and adaptable to various clinical conditions.

Main Parts of a Hospital Bed

• Bed frame (bedstead) it protect the patient from falling from the bed.
• Adjustable backrest it support the patient when sitting on the bed.
• Brake system it prevent the bed from moving it keep the bed in one position.
• Wire springs it hold and support the mattress in place
• Four wheels for rolling the bed
• Trapeze or lifting pole it support the patient incase of exersiced,getting off the bed
• Mattress with waterproof cover provide a soft place for the patient for comfort
• Spring cover it protect the mattress
• Mackintosh to protect the bed.
• Sheets, blankets, pillow, and bed cover to cover the bed to look neite and provide comfort to the patient

Importance of Bed Making in Nursing Care

Bed making is not just a routine task it is a key element of holistic nursing care. Proper bed making:

• Enhances patient comfort 
• Enhances patient rest
• Reduces the risk of infection
• Promotes good posture 
• Promotes good positioning for the patient
• Maintains ward cleanliness and order
• prevent pressure sore and pressure ulcer
• Reflects professional nursing standards

Aims and Purposes of Bed Making

The main goals of bed making include:

• Providing a comfortable and safe resting environment
• Maintaining a clean and tidy ward
• Ensuring bed hygiene
• Supporting correct patient positioning according to condition
• Preventing complaints related to poor nursing care
• Promoting high standards of nursing practice

Principles and Rules of Bed Making

To ensure safety and infection control, the following principles must be observed:

• Assemble all equipment before starting(set the trolley) and bring them to the bed side.
• two nurse do the procedure ie its the procedure for two nurses
• Perform hand hygiene(wash hand) before and after the procedure.
• apron or gouwm must be worn
• Provide privacy using screens
• Remove jewelry from you as a nurse when performing bed making
• Avoid conversation during the procedure
• Prevent linen from touching the floor
• Never shake bed linen
• Use separate linen for each patient
• Protect the patient from cold and drafts
• Make beds in an organized and systematic manner
• bed making should be done before doctors' round or any other procedure.
• avoid unwanted movement while making bed
• soiled linen must be separated for disinfecting before washing.
• dirty linen are put in the dirty linen container.

Hospital Beds appliances and bed accessories used in Nursing Practice

Hospital bed appliances, also known as bed accessories, play a critical role when caring for the patient as a nurse. The devices are used alongside the hospital bed to improve patient comfort, maintain correct positioning, prevent complications, and assist nurses in providing safe and effective care.

Common Hospital Bed Appliances Used in Nursing Practice

Below are the most commonly used bed appliances in hospitals and healthcare facilities

mackintosh or plastic sheet. 

 is a waterproof sheet placed under linen.long markintosh protect the mattress while the draw markintosh protect the bottom sheets.

other small mackintosh protect the bed from salver after operation,protect the pillow,protect the patient sheet,clothings during nursing procedure.

back rest

is a wooden,plastic or metalic adjustable support put at the head of the bed to support the back of the patient.it help the patient to sit upright like in difficulty in breathing,patient with cardiac problem, can also be use to support a patient in semi upright positions.

fracture board

this are firm board place under mattress to restrict movement.this prevent reduced pain and maintain the alignments of the born.

rapes or lifting pole

is a triangle handle suspended above the bed or firm fixed pole at the head of the bed.it help patient to lift off from the bed and when changing positions,it promote indipence,it easy nursing procedure like changing the bed sheets.it can also be called monkey pole

hot water bottle

it is a rubber bootle which is filled with hot water.it provide additional warmth to the patient,it relife pain, it also relieve urine retention

bed cradle

bed cradle is a metal or plastic frame position over the patient to lift the weight of the linen from the patient,protect the wound from being irritated by linens eg burn wound,prevent pressure on sensitive part of the body like skin.

bed block 

it is a wooden or metallic block placed at the head or bottom of the bed to elevate the bed to increase blood flow to vital organ or decrease intracranial pressure.

air ring.

is a rubber ring put at the borny premineces to reduced pressure and prevent friction,this prevent injary and pressure sore.

foot rest

it prevent the foot from dropping

cardiac table

it is a table used by patient while in bed.it help the patient to eat ,read,use laptop and change position while in bed.it is also call bed table or heart table

side rails

is a protective barrier attached to the side of the bed to prevent the patient from falling from the bed in condition like epilipsy,resless patient,disorented patient ,patient convulsing.

sand bag

this is a abg filled with sund it prevent and restrict the jerking of the amputated limb.

pillows

pillows provide comfort and propping up patient in bed.it relief pain,easy breathing.

Bell or Call System

A patient bell allows communication with nurses. Enables patients to request assistance Promotes safety and reassurance

Types of Hospital Beds in Nursing Practice

Different patient conditions require different types of beds. Below are the most common hospital beds used in nursing care.

Unoccupied (Empty) Bed

An unoccupied bed is prepared when no patient is in the bed mostly after discahrge.This bed ensures readiness for immediate patient use.it make the ward to look organised and neat.it can also be called close bed or hospital bed.

 requirements for making unoccupied bed

it is a trolley containing the following

top shelf

1. 2 bed sheets
2. 1 draw sheets
3. 1 counterpen
4. 1 blanket
5. 1 pillow case

bottom shelf

1. long markintosh
2. draw markintosh
3. pillow
4. aprons
5. glove

bed side

1. screen
2. hand washing equipments
3. 2 chairs
4. dirty linen container

procedure for making unoccupied bed

1. set the trolley containing the above requirements
2. call for another nurse because it is the procedure for two nurses
3. both nurses put on the aprons
4. wash hand and put on glove
5. move the bed away from the wall and bedside locker to create the space
6. place the two chair at the foot of the bed
7. adjust the bed to your level and drop the side rails to reduced strain on your back while working
8. check the spring
9. turn the mattress 
10. straighten the mattress cover
11. put the long mackintosh on the mattress to protect the mattress
12. place the bottom sheet evenly and miter the corner to make neat appearance and keep the sheet secure under the mattress.
13. tuck the bottom sheet securely at the top and at the bottom to secure the linen firmly so that it is not easily pulled out.
14. tuck the remainder in the long side
15. put the draw mackintosh at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
16. put the draw sheet at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side
17. place the top sheet and miter the bottom corner do not tuck in.
18. place the blanket miter the bottom but do not tuck in the blanket
19. fold back the blanket.
20. fold back the top sheet
21. insert the pillow in the pillow case and place it at the top of the bed wih open end facing the wall.
22. put the counter pen to cover the whole bed and miter the bottom corner and tuck in from the bottom but not from all side
23. adjust the bed to the normal position.
24. return the bed and the lucker back to its original position.
25. clear away the trolley.
26. wash hands

Occupied Bed

An occupied bed is the bed which has as the patient or the bed with a patient allocated to.it is a clean procedure.

 requirements for making occupied bed

it is a trolley containing the following

top shelf

1. 2 bed sheets
2. 1 draw sheets
3. 1 counterpen
4. 1 blanket
5. 1 pillow case

bottom shelf

1. long markintosh
2. draw markintosh
3. pillow
4. aprons
5. glove

bed side

1. screen
2. hand washing equipments
3. 2 chairs
4. dirty linen container

procedure for making occupied bed

1. set the trolley containing the above requirements
2. call for another nurse because it is the procedure for two nurses
3. both nurses put on the aprons
4. wash hand and put on glove
5. move the bed away from the wall and bedside locker to create the space
6. place the two chair at the foot of the bed
7. adjust the bed to your level and drop the side rails to reduced strain on your back while working
8. strip the bed and put the linens on the chair at the foot of the bed
9. straighten the mattress cover
10. put the long mackintosh on the mattress to protect the mattress
11. place the bottom sheet evenly and miter the corner to make neat appearance and keep the sheet secure under the mattress.
12. tuck the bottom sheet securely at the top and at the bottom to secure the linen firmly so that it is not easily pulled out.
13. tuck the remainder in the long side
14. put the draw mackintosh at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
15. put the draw sheet at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side
16. place the top sheet and miter the bottom corner do not tuck in.
17. place the blanket miter the bottom but do not tuck in the blanket
18. fold the blanket inward and the bed covers
19. fold the top sheet to cover the blanket and the bed covers
20. fold the bedding in to hafe so that the patient can easily enter
21. insert the pillow in the pillow case and place it at the top of the bed with open end facing the wall.
22. adjust the bed to the normal position.
23. return the bed and the lucker back to its original position.
24. clear away the trolley.
25. wash hands

Admission Bed

An admission bed is prepared to receive a new patient.it is a bed made for critically ill patient and they can't go to bath room to beaith

requirements for making admission bed

it is a trolley containing the following

top shelf

1. 2 bed sheets
2. 2 admision sheets
3. 1 draw sheets
4. 1 counterpen
5. 1 blanket
6. 1 pillow case

bottom shelf

1. long markintosh
2. draw markintosh
3. pillow
4. aprons
5. glove

bed side

1. screen
2. hand washing equipments
3. 2 chairs
4. dirty linen container

procedure for making admission bed

1. set the trolley containing the above requirements
2. call for another nurse because it is the procedure for two nurses
3. both nurses put on the aprons
4. wash hand and put on glove
5. move the bed away from the wall and bedside locker to create the space
6. place the two chair at the foot of the bed
7. adjust the bed to your level and drop the side rails to reduced strain on your back while working
8. check the spring
9. turn the mattress 
10. straighten the mattress cover
11. put the long mackintosh on the mattress to protect the mattress
12. place the bottom sheet evenly and miter the corner to make neat appearance and keep the sheet secure under the mattress.
13. tuck the bottom sheet securely at the top and at the bottom to secure the linen firmly so that it is not easily pulled out.
14. tuck the remainder in the long side
15. put the draw mackintosh at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
16. put the draw sheet at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
17. place admision bed miter the coner and tuckle.this sheet will protect the ordinary sheet incase of bed bath.
18. put the second admision sheet 
19. place the top sheet  
20. place the blanket  
21. insert the pillow in the pillow case and place it at the top of the bed wih open end facing the wall.
22. put the counter pen  
23. adjust the bed to the normal position.
24. return the bed and the lucker back to its original position.
25. clear away the trolley.
26. wash hands.

 Divided Bed

A divided bed is made in two separate sections.

Indications

• Amputations
• Fractures with traction
• Plaster of Paris casts
• Pelvic examinations

requirements for making divided bed

it is a trolley containing the following

top shelf

1. 4 bed sheets
2. 1 draw sheets
3. 1 counterpen
4. 2 blanket
5. 1 pillow case

bottom shelf

1. long markintosh
2. draw markintosh
3. pillow
4. aprons
5. glove
6. small markintosh and a small towel

bed side

1. screen
2. hand washing equipments
3. 2 chairs
4. dirty linen container
5. sund bag

procedure for making divided bed

1. set the trolley containing the above requirements
2. call for another nurse because it is the procedure for two nurses
3. both nurses put on the aprons
4. wash hand and put on glove
5. move the bed away from the wall and bedside locker to create the space
6. place the two chair at the foot of the bed
7. adjust the bed to your level and drop the side rails to reduced strain on your back while working
8. check the spring
9. turn the mattress 
10. straighten the mattress cover
11. put the long mackintosh on the mattress to protect the mattress
12. place the bottom sheet evenly and miter the corner to make neat appearance and keep the sheet secure under the mattress.
13. tuck the bottom sheet securely at the top and at the bottom to secure the linen firmly so that it is not easily pulled out.
14. tuck the remainder in the long side
15. put the draw mackintosh at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
16. put the draw sheet at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side
17. place the top sheet do not miter the bottom corner and do not tuck in.
18. place the blanket do not miter the bottom and do not tuck in the blanket
19. fold back the top sheet and the blanket to make the first pack.
20. place it at the head of the bed
21. place the second top sheet do not miter the bottom corner and do not tuck in.
22. place the second blanket do not miter the bottom and do not tuck in the blanket
23. fold back the top sheet and the blanket to make the second pack.
24. place it at the bottom of the bed
25. insert the pillow in the pillow case and place it at the top of the bed with open end facing the wall.
26. put the counter pen to cover the whole bed and miter the bottom corner and tuck in from the bottom but not from all side
27. adjust the bed to the normal position.
28. return the bed and the lucker back to its original position.
29. clear away the trolley.
30. wash hands

Bed for a Patient with a Fracture

requirements for making fracture bed

it is a trolley containing the following

top shelf

1. 2 bed sheets
2. 1 draw sheets
3. 1 counterpen
4. 1 blanket
5. 1 pillow case

bottom shelf

1. long markintosh
2. draw markintosh
3. pillow
4. aprons
5. glove

bed side

1. screen
2. hand washing equipments
3. 2 chairs
4. dirty linen container
5. fracture board
6. bed cradle

procedure for making bed for fracture patient

1. set the trolley containing the above requirements
2. call for another nurse because it is the procedure for two nurses
3. both nurses put on the aprons
4. wash hand and put on glove
5. move the bed away from the wall and bedside locker to create the space
6. place the two chair at the foot of the bed
7. adjust the bed to your level and drop the side rails to reduced strain on your back while working
8. check the spring
9. turn the mattress
10. place the fracture board
11. straighten the mattress cover
12. put the long mackintosh on the mattress to protect the mattress
13. place the bottom sheet evenly and miter the corner to make neat appearance and keep the sheet secure under the mattress.
14. tuck the bottom sheet securely at the top and at the bottom to secure the linen firmly so that it is not easily pulled out.
15. tuck the remainder in the long side
16. put the draw mackintosh at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
17. put the draw sheet at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side
18. place the top sheet and miter the bottom corner do not tuck in.
19. place the blanket miter the bottom but do not tuck in the blanket
20. fold back the blanket.
21. fold back the top sheet
22. insert the pillow in the pillow case and place it at the top of the bed with open end facing the wall.
23. put the counter pen to cover the whole bed and miter the bottom corner and tuck in from the bottom but not from all side
24. adjust the bed to the normal position.
25. return the bed and the lucker back to its original position.
26. clear away the trolley.
27. wash hands

Bed for a Patient with Head Injury

Aim

To prevent further head trauma and ensure safety.

requirements for making bed for patient with head injury

it is a trolley containing the following

top shelf

1. 2 bed sheets
2. 1 draw sheets
3. 1 counterpen
4. 1 blanket
5. 1 pillow case
6. small towel and a small mackintosh

bottom shelf

1. long markintosh
2. draw markintosh
3. pillow wrap with a draw sheet
4. aprons
5. glove

bed side

1. screen
2. hand washing equipments
3. vital observation tray
4. suctioning machine
5. side rail
6. bed block
7. 2 chairs
8. dirty linen container

procedure for making bed for patient with head injury

1. set the trolley containing the above requirements
2. call for another nurse because it is the procedure for two nurses
3. both nurses put on the aprons
4. wash hand and put on glove
5. move the bed away from the wall and bedside locker to create the space
6. place the two chair at the foot of the bed
7. adjust the bed to your level and drop the side rails to reduced strain on your back while working
8. check the spring
9. turn the mattress 
10. straighten the mattress cover
11. put the long mackintosh on the mattress to protect the mattress
12. place the bottom sheet evenly and miter the corner to make neat appearance and keep the sheet secure under the mattress.
13. tuck the bottom sheet securely at the top and at the bottom to secure the linen firmly so that it is not easily pulled out.
14. tuck the remainder in the long side
15. put the draw mackintosh at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
16. put the draw sheet at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
17. place admission bed miter the corner and tuckle.this sheet will protect the ordinary sheet incase of bed bath.
18. put the small markintosh and a towel at the head of the bed to protect the bedding from saliver/secretion 
19. put the second admission sheet 
20. place the top sheet  
21. place the blanket  
22. put the counter pen  
23. pad the rail to prevent injury
24. adjust the bed to the normal position.
25. return the bed and the lucker back to its original position.
26. clear away the trolley.
27. wash hands.

Bed for a Patient with Burns

Burn patients require strict infection control and comfort measures.

Important Considerations

• Use sterile sheets
• Waterproof pillow covers
• Bed cradle to avoid pressure on burns
• Adjust bed elevation based on patient condition

requirements for making  bed for burn patient.

it is a trolley containing the following

top shelf

1. 4 sterile bed sheets
2. 1 draw sheets
3. 1 counterpen
4. 1 blanket
5. 1 pillow case

bottom shelf

1. long markintosh
2. draw mackintosh
3. net
4. pillow
5. aprons
6. gloves

bed side

1. screen
2. hand washing equipments
3. bed cradle
4. drip stand
5. 2 chairs
6. dirty linen container

procedure for making admission bed

1. set the trolley containing the above requirements
2. call for another nurse because it is the procedure for two nurses
3. both nurses put on the aprons
4. wash hand and put on glove
5. move the bed away from the wall and bedside locker to create the space
6. place the two chair at the foot of the bed
7. adjust the bed to your level and drop the side rails to reduced strain on your back while working
8. check the spring
9. turn the mattress 
10. straighten the mattress cover
11. put the long mackintosh on the mattress to protect the mattress
12. place the bottom sheet evenly and miter the corner to make neat appearance and keep the sheet secure under the mattress.
13. tuck the bottom sheet securely at the top and at the bottom to secure the linen firmly so that it is not easily pulled out.
14. tuck the remainder in the long side
15. put the draw mackintosh at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
16. put the draw sheet at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
17. place sterile sheets miter the corner and tuckle.
18. place bed cradle 
19. put the second sterile sheet 
20. place the top sheet  
21. place the blanket  
22. insert the pillow in the pillow case and place it at the top of the bed wih open end facing the wall.
23. put the counter pen 
24. put the net up to protect from flies
25. adjust the bed to the normal position.
26. return the bed and the lucker back to its original position.
27. clear away the trolley.
28. wash hands.

Bed for Infectious Patients

This bed is used for patients with communicable diseases.

Purpose

To prevent cross infection.

requirements for making infectious patient bed

it is a trolley containing the following

top shelf

1. 2 bed sheets
2. 2 admision sheets
3. 1 draw sheets
4. 1 counterpen
5. 1 blanket
6. 1 pillow case

bottom shelf

1. long markintosh
2. draw markintosh
3. pillow
4. gown
5. glove
6. vital observation tray
7. 
   

bed side

1. screen
2. hand washing equipments
3. burket with disinfectant
4. bed pan with a cover
5. 2 chairs
6. dirty linen container

procedure for making admission bed

1. set the trolley containing the above requirements
2. follow all barrier nursing protocols
3. call for another nurse because it is the procedure for two nurses
4. both nurses put on the gown,mask,cape.
5. wash hand and put on glove
6. move the bed away from the wall and bedside locker to create the space
7. place the two chair at the foot of the bed
8. adjust the bed to your level and drop the side rails to reduced strain on your back while working
9. check the spring
10. turn the mattress 
11. straighten the mattress cover
12. put the long mackintosh on the mattress to protect the mattress
13. place the bottom sheet evenly and miter the corner to make neat appearance and keep the sheet secure under the mattress.
14. tuck the bottom sheet securely at the top and at the bottom to secure the linen firmly so that it is not easily pulled out.
15. tuck the remainder in the long side
16. put the draw mackintosh at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
17. put the draw sheet at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
18. place sheet foe infectious patient, miter the coner and tuckle.this sheet will protect the ordinary sheet incase of bed bath.
19. put the second sheet for infectious patient 
20. place the top sheet  
21. place the blanket  
22. insert the pillow in the pillow case and place it at the top of the bed wih open end facing the wall.
23. put the counter pen  
24. adjust the bed to the normal position.
25. return the bed and the lucker back to its original position.
26. clear away the trolley.
27. wash hands.

Post-Operative Bed

A post-operative bed is prepared to receive a patient after surgery.

requirements for making post-operative bed

it is a trolley containing the following

top shelf

1. 2 bed sheets
2. 1 draw sheets
3. 1 counterpen
4. 1 blanket
5. 1 pillow case
6. small mackintosh with a towel.

bottom shelf

1. long markintosh
2. draw markintosh
3. pillow
4. aprons
5. glove
6. small markintosh and a small towel

bed side

1. screen
2. hand washing equipments
3. 2stools and chairs
4. dirty linen container
5. vital observation tray
6. suctioning machine
7. trip stand
8. emergency tray
9. oxygen cylinder
10. vomit bowel with a cover.
11. bed block
12. vital observation tray
13. mouth care tray

procedure for making divided bed

1. set the trolley containing the above requirements
2. call for another nurse because it is the procedure for two nurses
3. both nurses put on the aprons
4. wash hand and put on glove
5. move the bed away from the wall and bedside locker to create the space
6. place the two chair at the foot of the bed
7. adjust the bed to your level and drop the side rails to reduced strain on your back while working
8. check the spring
9. turn the mattress 
10. straighten the mattress cover
11. put the long mackintosh on the mattress to protect the mattress
12. place the bottom sheet evenly and miter the corner to make neat appearance and keep the sheet secure under the mattress.
13. tuck the bottom sheet securely at the top and at the bottom to secure the linen firmly so that it is not easily pulled out.
14. tuck the remainder in the long side
15. put the draw mackintosh at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side.
16. put the draw sheet at the middle of the bed and tuck it in at the side
17. place the top sheet do not miter the bottom corner and do not tuck in.
18. place the blanket do not miter the bottom and do not tuck in the blanket
19. fold the top sheet and the blanket to make a pack.
20. place it in the middle end of the bed for easy opening
21. place the small markintosh at the head of the potion of the head of the patient
22. put the counter pen to cover the whole bed and miter the bottom corner and tuck in from the bottom but not from all side to keep the bed warmth
23. insert the pillow in the pillow case and place in the chair
24. adjust the bed to the normal position.
25. return the bed and the lucker back to its original position.
26. clear away the trolley.
27. wash hands

 Conclusion

Bed making is a core nursing skill that directly affects patient comfort, safety, and recovery. Mastery of bed-making techniques prepares nursing students and healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in all clinical settings.