Registered Mental Health Nursing (RMN)

ORIENTATION OF A PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT (AMBULANT) TO THE WARD ENVIRONMENT

This is a process of introducing a patient to the ward environment by the nurse to assist patient familiarise or adapt himself/herself to the ward.

Purpose

Reduce anxiety and promote recovery
Foster cooperation between patients, nursing staff and other health team members
Equip patient with requisite knowledge about the ward routines
Encourage patient to participate in ward routines/activities

Equipment

Patient’s folder (Electronic/Manual)

Procedure steps

Establish rapport (refer procedure) and explain rationale of the orientation to the patient
Mention the name of the ward to him/her
Introduce patient to ward staff around and other patients
Show patient the nurses’ office, ward annexes (treatment room, emergency exit, visitor’s room etc.)
Show patient the dining hall, day room and time of serving meals
Show patient to his/her bed and locker
Show patient the bathroom and toilet and how to use it
Show patient the property room and its significance
Inform patient of structured activities as well as rules and regulations on the ward
Tell patient whom to contact for any information during his/her stay on the ward
Encourage patient to ask questions and respond appropriately
Express appreciation to patient and put him/her to bed if necessary or direct him/her to the next activity
Document the orientation process in the nurses’ notes/ patient’s folder

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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