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Admission to the Hospital
Definition, Purpose, Types, Unit
Preparation, Special Considerations,
and Procedure
Learning Objectives
• Define hospital admission.
• Explain the purpose of admission.
• Describe the types of admission.
• Discuss unit and bed preparation for
admission.
• Identify special considerations during
admission.
• Describe the admission procedure and nurse’s
role.
Introduction
• Admission is the first step in the hospital stay.
• It is both a clinical and emotional event for the
patient and family.
• Patients may feel fear, anxiety, and confusion.
• A calm, organized admission process builds
trust and rapport.
• The nurse plays a key role in helping the
patient feel safe and welcome.
Definition of Hospital Admission
• Hospital admission is the process by which a
person is formally accepted as an inpatient.
• The patient comes under the care of a doctor
and nursing team.
• A bed or unit is allotted for continuous
medical and nursing care.
• It marks the official entry of the patient into
the hospital system.
Purpose of Hospital Admission (I)
• To provide medical and nursing care:
• • Administer medicines, IV fluids, oxygen, and
blood transfusion.
• To allow continuous observation and
monitoring:
• • Vital signs, symptoms, and response to
treatment.
• To perform diagnostic tests:
• • Blood, urine, X-ray, CT, MRI, ECG, and other
investigations.
Purpose of Hospital Admission (II)
• To provide a safe and therapeutic
environment:
• • Clean, quiet, and infection-controlled
surroundings.
• To give psychological support:
• • Reduce fear, anxiety, and stress.
• To provide health education:
• • Disease, treatment, lifestyle changes, and
home care.
Types of Admission – Based on
Urgency
• Emergency Admission:
• • Sudden, serious, or life-threatening
condition.
• • Examples: accident, heart attack, poisoning,
severe asthma.
• Elective (Planned) Admission:
• • Pre-arranged and scheduled in advance.
• • Examples: planned surgery, scheduled
investigations.
Types of Admission – Based on
Source
• Direct Admission from Home or OPD:
• • Patient comes directly from home or
outpatient department.
• Referral / Transfer Admission:
• • From another hospital or another unit within
the same hospital.
• • Example: transfer from ward to ICU for
specialized care.
Other Types of Admission
• Day Care / Short-Stay Admission:
• • Less than 24 hours for minor procedures,
chemotherapy, dialysis, endoscopy.
• Obstetric Admission:
• • Pregnant woman admitted for labour or
complications.
• Medico-Legal Admission:
• • Accident, assault, burns, suspected suicide,
poisoning.
Unit and Its Preparation –
Overview
• Before the patient arrives, the nurse prepares:
• • The bed and surrounding area.
• • Necessary equipment and articles.
• • Environment (light, ventilation, privacy).
• • Records and forms needed for admission.
• A well-prepared unit ensures smooth and safe
admission.
Physical Preparation of the Unit
• Ensure cleanliness and orderliness of the
ward.
• The bed should have a clean mattress and
neat linen:
• • Bed sheet, draw sheet, blanket, and pillow
with cover.
• Adjust lighting, ventilation, and room
temperature.
• Provide privacy by using curtains or screens.
Preparation of Bed and Equipment
• Use special beds when needed:
• • Cardiac bed, fracture bed, Fowler’s bed, ICU
bed.
• Keep essential equipment at the bedside:
• • BP apparatus, stethoscope, thermometer,
pulse oximeter.
• • Oxygen outlet and suction apparatus if
required.
• • IV stand and infusion sets.
Articles and Records for Admission
• Patient articles:
• • Bedpan, urinal, kidney tray, water glass,
spoon, call bell.
• Records and documents:
• • Admission file or case sheet.
• • Nursing assessment forms and consent
forms.
• • Investigation requisition forms and
identification band.
Special Considerations – Children
• Allow parents or caregivers to stay when
possible.
• Use simple words and play to explain
procedures.
• Maintain safety with side rails and removal of
sharp objects.
• Provide a child-friendly environment with toys
or pictures.
• Offer emotional support to both child and
parents.
Special Considerations – Older
Adults
• Speak slowly, clearly, and respectfully.
• Assess for hearing or visual problems.
• Prevent falls by:
• • Good lighting, side rails, and call bell within
reach.
• Consider multiple illnesses and many
medications.
• Provide extra time for orientation and
explanation.
Other Special Considerations
• Critically ill or unconscious patients:
• • ABC (airway, breathing, circulation) is the
first priority.
• • Immediate monitoring, oxygen, and IV
access.
• Patients with disability:
• • Wheelchair access, ramps, and grab bars.
• Psychiatric and culturally diverse patients:
• • Non-threatening approach and respect for
Admission Procedure – Before
Patient Arrives
• Receive information from admission office or
emergency.
• Prepare bed and unit according to the
patient’s condition.
• Arrange required equipment and articles.
• Keep admission file and forms ready.
• Review basic data such as age, diagnosis, and
allergies.
Admission Procedure – On Arrival
• Reception and identification:
• • Greet patient and family politely and
introduce yourself.
• • Verify name, age, address, and hospital
number.
• • Apply identification band as per hospital
policy.
• Orientation to the ward:
• • Show bed, toilet, bathroom, and nurse’s
station.
Admission Procedure – Initial
Assessment
• Record vital signs: temperature, pulse,
respiration, BP, and SpO₂.
• Assess level of consciousness, pain, and
general condition.
• Take brief history of present illness, past
illnesses, allergies, and medications.
• Ensure comfort and safety:
• • Help change into hospital gown.
• • Provide bedpan or urinal if needed.
Admission Procedure – After
Settling the Patient
• Complete detailed nursing history and
assessment.
• Check doctor’s orders and carry them out:
• • Medications, IV fluids, and investigations.
• Provide health education and reassurance to
patient and family.
• Document:
• • Date, time, type, and source of admission.
• • Assessment findings, care given, and any
Role of the Nurse in Admission
• Prepare the unit, equipment, and records.
• Receive and welcome the patient and family.
• Provide physical comfort and emotional
support.
• Perform nursing assessment and identify
problems.
• Ensure safety, privacy, and dignity of the
patient.
• Maintain accurate and complete
documentation.
Conclusion
• Admission is a critical starting point of hospital
care.
• It is both a technical and a human process.
• A well-organized admission reduces anxiety
and confusion.
• It promotes trust, cooperation, and effective
treatment.
• The nurse plays a central role in making
admission safe, smooth, and therapeutic.