Admissions, Transfer, and Discharge of a Patient

Admitting Patients to the Hospital How did you feel when you were admitted to a hospital? Every patient is nervous, even if it is not a first admission

Room Preparation Make necessary equipment available: Admission checklist Gown or pajamas Lighting Open bed technique Patient supplies: washbasin, emesis basin, soap, towels, lotion, bedpan, urinal, etc.

Greet the Patient First impressions are important! Greet each pt and their family in a friendly, cheerful manner Introduce yourself Make pt comfortable, provide privacy Admission procedures depend on the policy of the healthcare facility

Admissions Procedure Place ID bracelet Preliminary interview of the pt is done to obtain medical information-may need family present Explain the facility’s policy on visitors, and the use of television and telephone

4. Demonstrate how to use equipment (bed, telephone, remote, call-button) 5. Explain meals and how to order meals 6. Answer questions about hospital routines 7. Show the pt where storage areas are, restrooms, etc. 8. Remove and store all valuables (or send them home)

9. Assess patient, take vital signs 10. Begin admission questions

Transferring the Patient A pt may be transferred from one room to another or to another unit for different reasons Make sure all pt’s belongings are transferred with him/her

Discharging Patients Planning for the patient’s discharge involves the entire healthcare team The doctor: plans the discharge with the pt and leaves a written order on the pt’s chart The nurse: Makes sure the discharge order has been written by the doctor

- Makes necessary arrangements with other depts to prepare for the discharge Give discharge instructions for home care Give a written copy of the diet, appointments and discharge instructions Document date and time pt was d/c’d, the condition of the pt upon d/c, mode of d/c, special instructions given, etc.