Making an occupied bed is a core skill for CNAs, ensuring a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for residents. Proper bed-making helps prevent skin breakdown, infection, and discomfort, while respecting resident dignity. Skill 6 — Making an Occupied Bed is frequently evaluated on the CNA Skills Exam, and mastery of this skill is essential for high-quality care.
Why Proper Bed-Making Matters
Clean, wrinkle-free bedding contributes to:
- Resident comfort and safety
- Prevention of pressure injuries and skin irritation
- Reduction of infection risk through proper linen handling
- A professional, orderly environment
- Compliance with CNA Skills Exam standards
Linens should be changed at least weekly or whenever they are soiled to maintain hygiene.
Infection Control Guidelines for Bed-Making
Follow these precautions to reduce the risk of contamination:
- Do not allow linens to touch your uniform
- Never transfer soiled linens between rooms
- Avoid placing soiled linens on the floor
- If clean linens touch the floor, treat them as soiled and launder
- Do not shake linens, as this can spread pathogens
- Store clean linens in a closed closet or covered cart
Supplies Needed for Making an Occupied Bed
- Clean fitted sheet
- Clean flat sheet
- Lift sheet and soaker pad
- Clean pillowcases and pillows
- Gloves
- Linen bag or hamper for soiled linens
Routine Pre-Procedure Steps
Before beginning, always:
- Knock on the resident’s door
- Perform hand hygiene
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident
- Maintain professional, courteous communication
- Provide privacy with a curtain or door
- Explain the bed-making procedure to the resident
Step-by-Step Procedure for Making an Occupied Bed
1. Prepare Clean Linens
- Place clean linens on a clean surface or barrier, with the fitted sheet on top
- Don gloves before handling the resident
2. Prepare the Resident
- Remove personal items from the bed
- Raise the side rail for safety
- Move to the opposite side of the bed
- Using the lift sheet, roll the resident toward the side rail
- Roll soiled linens toward the center under the resident
3. Apply Clean Linens
- Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene
- Place the fitted sheet on the half of the bed you are working on
- Fan-fold the lift sheet and soaker pad under the resident
- Raise the side rail and move to the opposite side of the bed
- Don gloves, lower the side rail, roll the resident to the opposite side, and remove soiled linens
4. Secure and Smooth Linens
- Pull through the fitted sheet, lift sheet, and soaker pad to remove wrinkles
- Assist the resident to a supine position
- Place a new flat sheet over the resident, keeping them covered
5. Make Mitered Corners
- Tuck the sheet under the foot of the bed
- Create a 45-degree angled fold at the foot
- Tuck in any excess under the bed frame
6. Replace Pillows and Blankets
- Place clean pillowcases on pillows and position them at the head of the bed
- Ensure open end faces away from the door
- Replace blankets or bedspreads
- Make a toe pleat to prevent pressure on the resident’s feet
Post-Procedure Steps
- Perform hand hygiene
- Check resident comfort and ask if they need anything
- Ensure the bed is low and locked, with brakes checked
- Place call light or signaling device within reach
- Open the door and privacy curtain
- Document and report any abnormal findings, skin issues, or resident complaints
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making an Occupied Bed
- Allowing linens to touch your uniform or floor
- Skipping hand hygiene before or after the procedure
- Leaving wrinkles in the bedding
- Failing to secure pillows and blankets properly
- Neglecting to check resident comfort and alignment
Consistent practice helps prevent errors and ensures exam readiness and resident safety.
Why Mastering Occupied Bed-Making Is Critical for CNAs
Proper bed-making:
- Prevents infection and skin injuries
- Maintains a clean, professional care environment
- Enhances resident comfort and dignity
- Demonstrates competency for the CNA Skills Exam
- Supports long-term resident safety and well-being
For detailed infection control and healthcare linen management guidelines, see the official CDC Healthcare Linen Guidelines:
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/environmental/healthcare-linen.html