Hospital admissions: Role of the nurse

Alright, 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 advance 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.