Registered Mental Health Nursing (RMN)
ORIENTATION OF THE PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT OUTSIDE THE WARD ENVIRONMENT
This is a process carried out by nurses to assist patients adapt and familiarise themselves to the hospital environment. This can be done when the patient is settled or in his/her lucid interval.
Purpose
- Reduce anxiety and promote recovery
- Foster cooperation between patient, nursing staff and other members of the health team
- Equip patient with requisite knowledge about the hospital routines/activities
- Help patient know his/her way around the hospital environment
Equipment
- Patient’s folder (Electronic/Manual)
- Assisting nurse(s)
Procedure steps
- Establish rapport (refer procedure) and explain procedure to patient
- Inform patient about the ground rules of the orientation
- Allow patient to ask any question and express his/her feelings
- Ensure patient has taken his/her bath and is well groomed
- Ensure meals and medication(s) are taken before the orientation
- Document time, patient’s mood and attitude before leaving the ward
- Inform other staff about the orientation
- Ask patient about his/her expectations
- Orientate patient to hospital environment (the lab, pharmacy, OPD etc.)
- Encourage patient to give his/her remarks about the orientation
- Express appreciation to the patient and direct him/ her to the next activity
- Document time, patient’s mood, attitude and experiences on returning to the ward in the nurse’s 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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