General Nursing (RGN)
ORIENTATION OF PATIENT TO WARD ENVIRONMENT (AMBULANT)
Is the practice of introducing the in-patient to the staff and ward setting. This activity enables the patient and relatives to adapt to his/her new setting and know the routines of the ward.
Purpose
- Ensure patient safety
- Aid easy movement with the ward
- Know the ward environment
Indications
- New admission to the ward
- Transfer of an ambulant patient to a new ward
- When a patient requires orientation to a new ward environment
- When ward routines or facilities need to be explained to the patient
Equipment
- N/A
Procedure steps
- Establish rapport with patient and relatives (Refer to steps)
- Mention the name of the ward to patient and relatives
- Introduce patient to ward staff around
- Show patient the nurse's station
- Show patient his/her bed
- Show patient his/her bed side cabinet/locker and how it operates
- Introduce him/her to other patients if any
- Show patient the bathroom, toilet and how the sanitary fittings operates
- Show patient the kitchen, day room and its uses (if available)
- Inform patient of ward routines and activities
- Inform patient whom to contact for any information or complaints
- Encourage patient to ask questions for clarity
- Thank patient and send him/her to bed
- Report to appropriate officer
Precautions
- Maintain patient privacy and dignity during orientation
- Provide information appropriate to the patient's level of understanding
- Do not disclose other patients' diagnoses or confidential information
- Identify potential environmental hazards and explain relevant safety measures
- Ensure the patient knows whom to contact for assistance
- Consider mobility, sensory and cognitive limitations when providing orientation
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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