Duties And Responsibilities of the nurse During Admission of Patient are discussed in this article. Usually a patient is received in hospital either in general outpatient department (OPD) or in Emergency or Causality section. After some preliminary examination or treatment the patient is sent to corresponding ward for admission or indoor treatment. The admission formality with short-history of the patient is noted in OPD or causality and the patient with admission papers duly signed by doctor-in-charge of admission is sent for indoor hospitalization.
Now comes the duty of the nurse or nurse in charge of the ward to attend the patient immediately and make the patient comfortable for further treatment procedure. The details of duties of a nurse while the patient reports for admission and also during discharge are being described below:
Duties And Role of The Nurse while, patient reports for admission.
- Receive the patient with courtesy.
- If the patient Is in walking condition, allow him to sit on a stool or chair. If the patient is in stretcher, shift him to a examining bed. If the patient is carried by attendants or relatives by physically lifting with arms support, allow the patient to sit or lie down on a bed depending upon the condition.
- If the patient immediately requires doctor’s attendance then
- allow the patient to lie down on examination table and give
- a call for a doctor giving brief note regarding the patient from the admission sheet sent by the OPD doctor or casualty doctor.
- If the patient has already been attended and treatment prescribed, then prepare a bed to put the patient to lie comfortably.
- Number, time and date of receipt of patient, names of relatives or telephone number etc. On TPR chart only name and bed number can be written.
- If the patient requires any immediate surgery take signatures of patient or relative for anesthesia.
- Provide all nursing equipment like urinal, bed pan, feeding
- cup etc., if patient needs.
- Take TPR of the patient and note it in patient’s chart.
- When the doctor-on call attends the patients, request him tor write history sheet in detail and if senior doctor is required, the junior doctor will write a call. Send this call to the senior doctor.
- When the patient becomes comfortable on bed and doctor’s attention if required, then prepare the diet sheet of the patient to provide required diet as advised by doctor.
- Now attend to the treatment part as advised by the doctor i.e. medicines, fluid etc.
- See if any investigation has been advised by doctor immediately or next day. Prepare for the investigation or for collection of specimen as required and advised.
- If the patient is required for immediate surgery, attend to the patient as advised by the doctor or according to the surgical procedure to be carried out.
- If surgery is not required then after providing medicines and taking specimens for lab investigation, give bath to the patient depending on advise and type
- If such restriction lies for attendants to stay at bed side, this should be politely told to the attendants and provision for of patient and issue him hospital clothing.
- Remove all jewelry except wedding ring or necklace and hand over to relatives. If no relatives are available, label it and take signature of patient and deposit it with ward/sister* in-charge.
- If the patient is in walking condition* the nurse should show the patient or relatives the bathroom, dining room and latrine.
- If any medicine is to be purchased from market, give a slip to attendants relatives.
- According to requirement or as per rules of hospital one or two attendants/relatives may be allowed to attend the patient at bed.
- special nurse or special attendants may be arranged with knowledge and cooperation of relatives.
- Introduce the patient to neighboring patient specially adjacent to bed.
- Ask the relatives to provide oil, comb, soap and other private clothing or utensils for the patient, if required.
The duties and role of a nurse during patient admission can be summarized in a tabular format as follows:
| Step in Admission Process | Nurse’s Role and Duties |
|---|---|
| 1. Initial Contact | – Greet the patient warmly and professionally. |
| – Verify patient’s identity and admission documents. | |
| 2. Assessment | – Conduct initial health assessment (vital signs, medical history). |
| – Evaluate patient’s physical and emotional state. | |
| 3. Room Assignment | – Guide the patient to their assigned room/bed. |
| – Orient the patient to the facility and room amenities. | |
| 4. Admission Documentation | – Complete admission paperwork and consents. |
| – Record medical history and current medications. | |
| 5. Patient Education | – Explain hospital routines and procedures. |
| – Provide information about patient rights and responsibilities. | |
| 6. Coordination with Healthcare Team | – Communicate patient’s condition and needs to other healthcare professionals. |
| – Arrange for any immediate care or tests required. | |
| 7. Comfort and Reassurance | – Address any patient concerns or anxieties. |
| – Ensure patient comfort and privacy. | |
| 8. Safety Checks | – Verify patient safety measures (e.g., bed rails up). |
| – Check for any potential hazards in the room. | |
| 9. Family/Visitor Information | – Inform family/visitors about visiting hours and policies. |
| – Provide guidance on how they can support the patient. |
This table outlines the comprehensive role of a nurse during the patient admission process, ensuring both the medical and emotional needs of the patient are addressed efficiently and empathetically.
