Hospital discharges: Role of the nurse

A hospital discharge occurs when a patient is released from the hospital after a procedure, an emergency department visit, or an inpatient stay. As the nurse, you'll play an important role in hospital discharges by implementing patient-centered discharge plans.

Discharge planning begins early in the patient’s stay and focuses on ensuring continuity of care and promoting a safe transition from the hospital to home or another location, such as a nursing center.

The planning process involves implementing measures to ensure the patient is on the right track to be discharged safely. These can include increasing mobility by assisting with ambulation or working with a physical therapist; providing education on the patient's condition and plan of care; anticipating the patient’s needs after discharge and coordinating resources to meet those needs; and identifying the most appropriate post-discharge location based on the patient’s ability to care for themselves, the availability of a caregiver at home, and the level of care needed following discharge.

Individualized discharge instructions are also created and reviewed with the patient verbally, along with a printed copy that the patient can refer to after leaving the hospital.

When planning your patient’s discharge from the hospital, your goals include promoting a safe transition from the hospital and ensuring your patient understands the plan of care.

Throughout your patient’s hospital stay, you’ll be on the lookout for safety concerns that could create problems for them after discharge or result in an unplanned readmission to the hospital.

You’ll collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to create a safety plan that reduces your patient’s risk of complications or injury during their stay and after they leave the hospital.

For example, if your patient is recovering from a leg injury, you’ll work with the physical therapist to assess whether they need a walker or crutches to support mobility and activities of daily living.

Likewise, if your patient is recovering from surgery or has a condition that affects muscle strength and balance, you’ll consult with the occupational therapist to arrange equipment such as a bedside commode or shower chair. If needed, you’ll also arrange home health visits to support care management. Always keep in mind that patients feel more prepared for discharge when they’re involved in the process; so, show that you value them as members of the care team and include them in care coordination decisions when possible.

Next, ensure your patient understands the plan of care.

This can help reduce anxiety, the risk of complications, and the chances of rehospitalization after discharge.