Hospital admissions: Role of the nurse

A hospital admission occurs when a patient enters the hospital for evaluation and treatment for a planned procedure following an emergency department visit or in situations where they require more care and monitoring than can be provided on an outpatient basis.

As the nurse, you'll provide patient-centered care during the hospital admission process. All right, so the admission process begins once it's determined that a patient requires inpatient care.

The process is focused on providing a smooth transition to the inpatient setting and includes implementing measures to support the patient's needs, promote patient safety, and establish communication between the patient, family, and interdisciplinary healthcare team.

After welcoming the patient to the hospital, clerical staff will verify the patient's identity and guide them through the initial steps of the admission process.

This involves asking the patient about advance directives, verifying insurance information, and obtaining the patient's consent to receive care.

Other steps in the admission process include ensuring the patient is informed about their rights and responsibilities and collecting information on their emergency contacts.

Throughout the process, hospital protocols are followed to ensure the patient's privacy and confidentiality are respected and cultural sensitivity is demonstrated.

Lastly, all required documentation is completed in a timely and accurate manner to promote patient safety and continuity of care.

Now, once the patient arrives on your unit, the next phase of the admission process begins. During this time, your goals of care include ensuring their health record is up to date, establishing a safe and supportive environment, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to develop a plan of care.

Begin by verifying the patient's identity, reviewing their health history, reconciling their medications, documenting their advanced directives and code status, and reviewing relevant diagnostic results and healthcare provider orders.

Then perform a head to toe assessment, identify safety risks such as increased fall risk or infection control concerns, and implement appropriate measures to protect your patient.

In the meantime, you can delegate documentation of the patient's personal belongings and vital signs to assistive personnel as appropriate.

Next, orient your patient and their family members to their room. Explain hospital routines and policies like care team rounding and visiting hours, and review the names and responsibilities of their care team.

Teach them about their activity and dietary orders, as well as information related to their admitting diagnosis. Be sure to encourage them to ask questions, to help them feel informed and supported.

Lastly, show them how to use the call light system to ensure they know how to request assistance. You'll also collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop a plan of care to address their immediate needs, such as pain management, mobility limitations, and nutritional needs.

For example, if your patient has limited mobility, collaborate with physical and occupational therapists to arrange for mobility assistance, such as a walker or supportive equipment like a bedside commode.

Finally, keep in mind that discharge planning also begins at admission. As such, you'll take steps to ensure continuity of care and a safe transition from the hospital.

This involves proactively communicating with the case management team and social workers to ensure the patient's needs after hospitalization are anticipated and addressed.

You'll also provide education for the patient and family throughout their stay to help them be well informed when the discharge process begins.

All right, as a quick recap, a hospital admission occurs when a patient enters the hospital for evaluation and treatment following an emergency department visit, planned procedure, or if they require care and monitoring that's more than can be provided on an outpatient basis.

The admission process begins once it's determined that a patient requires inpatient care and is focused on providing a smooth transition to the inpatient setting.

As the nurse, you'll play an important role in the admission process by updating their health record, establishing a safe and supportive environment, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to develop a plan of care.