Elements and Performance Criteria

Bed making practices may apply to occupied or unoccupied beds.

Where beds in an acute setting are occupied, bed making will be usually performed in an assisting role or under the supervision of an appropriate health professional according to organisational policy.

Bed linen may include sheets, blankets, quilts, pillowcases, doonas, under-blankets, mattress protectors and personal bed linen.

Beds may include:
Electro-mechanical bed
Maternity delivery bed
Domestic beds
Flotation mattress
Cot
Renal chair
Balkan beam
Trolley
Paediatric bed
Isolettes

Equipment may include:
Pressure care devices, e.g. roho mattress, egg carton mattress, foam mattress
Bedside table
Bed end note holder
Chair lifts
Walking frames/sticks
Commodes
Slings
Splints
"Monkey grips"
Personal aids such as hearing aids, glass eyes, false teeth, breast prosthesis, false limbs

Clearing a client/patient area may involve returning items to their correct locations.

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Ability to prepare, make and leave a bed ready for occupancy in accordance with organisational procedures
Knowledge of bed linen items
Procedures for safe handling of soiled linen
Bed cleaning procedures
Following instructions from nursing staff

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other client/patient and health services units of competency is encouraged.
Where beds are made/maintained and the occupant is still in the bed this unit should be assessed in conjunction with:
HTLCSD5A Assist with client/patient movement
Co-assessment may be also considered with:
HLTHSE4A Follow safe manual handling practices

Essential knowledge required include:
OHS policies and procedures
Hygiene policies and procedures
Infection control policy and procedures

Essential skills required include:
Organisational cleaning procedures for bed types
Safe manual handling techniques
Correct disposal of clinical waste
Correct bed making procedures i.e., hospital corners
Reading and writing skills literacy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by organisation. The level of skill may range from the ability to understand symbols used in OHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals, to reading labels. Literacy support available in the workplace may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available. Literacy may be required in English or a community language.
Oral communication skills - language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary. The organisation may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group.
Numeracy skills may range from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division to recording numbers.
Problem solving skills required include the ability to use available resources and prioritise workload
Ability to work with others and display empathy with patient and relatives

Resource implications:
Access to relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place
Assessment should take into account whether the competency is performed in an acute or non-acute setting
Relevant organisational policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Method of assessment:
Observation of work activities in client support
Observation of simulation and/or role play involving client support
Discussion of physical and/or behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care
Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses
Authenticated reports of providing client support
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies in client support

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions. Assessment may be conducted on one occasion but should include a range of clients, reflecting the diverse nature of these for whom service is provided in the workplace context.

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.