Bed Usage

Guidelines for use of the beds in the Skills Laboratory / Demonstration Classroom in the Nursing Learning Resource Center include:

  1. Fold and reuse linen when practicing as the supply is limited.
  2. No shoes on the beds-this helps keep linens clean.
  3. When finished with practice, leave the linens straightened and the bed in HIGH position.
  4. Keep the head of the bed away from the wall to avoid scraping the wall when raising or lowering the bed.
  5. Use the brakes on the wheels of the beds for safety.
  6. Head and foot boards are removable to provide a firm surface for CPR.
  7. IV poles may be inserted in the holder on the bed. Look for pole storage under the bed.
  8. The metal bar at the foot of the bed keeps the mattress from sliding.
  9. Side rail may be full or half; they move under the bed or out, up or down.
  10. Controls on the rails raise and lower the head and foot of the bed.
  11. Controls at the bottom of the foot of the bed can be engaged to "lock out" the controls on the side rails. Helpful for disoriented patients.
  12. Head elevation can be measured by the diagram on the side of the bed frame.
  13. Controls at the foot of the bed raise and lower the bed.
  14. Trendelenburg degree measurements are at the head and foot of the bed. {Please do not try to place the beds in Trendelenburg or Reverse Trendelenburg positions as this must be done in a coordinated fashion and often results in the bed needing to be repaired}
    1. Trendelenburg-head down/feet up (shock or prolapsed umbilical cord)
    2. Reverse Trendelenburg-head up/feet down (gastric emptying)
  15. Bedside tables can be raised or lowered.