Admission of a Patient

Procedure

1. Receive the patient warmly and introduce yourself by name and role.
2. Confirm identity against the admission letter or referral note using two identifiers.
3. Check the doctor’s admission order and the reason for admission.
4. Assist the patient onto the prepared admission bed and settle any relatives.
5. Record baseline observations: temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight and, where indicated, SpO2.
6. Take the nursing history — presenting complaint, past illnesses, drug history, allergies and social circumstances.
7. Check and list the patient’s valuables and property with a witness, and hand valuables to the relative or ward safe.
8. Complete the admission and bed-state books, attach the identity band and start the nursing care plan.
9. Inform the ward in-charge and the doctor that the patient has arrived.