2. Ward management
Ward management plays a very important role in a
hospital. Since wards are the lo- cal units of the
hospital, each of them is headed by the head nurse
(Fig. 10.3). She or he holds the responsibility to
manage each ward peacefully without any issues, as
it reflects the quality of care at the hospital. The
head nurse should be appointed by superintendent
to manage the ward of the hospital.
3.
4. Organization of ward management
The head nurse is in charge of each ward in the
hospital. The various wards come un- der his or
her jurisdiction and she or he is responsible to look
after each ward. Under head nurse come the staff
nurses, senior and junior. The student nurses,
sweepers, attendants, etc. come under the staff
nurses (Fig. 10.4).
5.
6. Objectives of ward management
1. To provide topmost quality nursing care and evidence-
based nursing care
2. To provide safe, clean and well ventilated and calm
environment
3. To safeguard the patient from all kinds of injury,
infection and hazards in hospital
4. To provide the sense of highest job satisfaction among
the staff members.
7. 5. To meet all the needs of patient and family members
in the hospital
6. To maintain good communication with patient and
others in the hospital
7. To establish and maintain professional code of ethics
in clinical practice and among staff
8. To ensure maximum utilization of hospital resources.
8. Responsibilities of the head nurse
1. To plan the duty roster specific to the ward,
implement PCS and allocate ward incharge to specific
wards.
2. To control and coordinate the activities of the
specific wards.
3. To plan all the activities done by ward in charge in
advance, delegate
responsibilities and supervise the activities in the
wards.
4. To supervise the nursing care being rendered for
all patients and to take frequent status updates.
9. 5. To conduct nursing rounds with ward in charges to assess
the problem, plan care, clarify issues, fulfil the requirements
and guide the ward in charge.
6. To maintain the enrolment register of all the staff and
ward in charge, and ensure that all the staff reported duty in
time.
7. To allocate the alternative staff in case of absenteeism.
8. To conduct meeting with the subordinate staff, and
provide guidance and teaching to improve her nursing care.
9. To ensure proper functioning of class-IV workers,
housekeeping staff, etc.
10. To frequently supervise all the wards for general upkeep
and cleanliness, problems and issues.
10. Responsibilities of the ward in charge
The ward in charge staff nurse is ultimately
responsible for the functioning of the ward allocated.
She or he is also responsible to:
1. report to the head nurse for any issues.
2. plan, control and supervise the activity of the
subordinates and also ensure that the staff are
allocated at required areas and provide good care to
the patients.
3. ensure ward cleanliness, safety and security for all
the patients in the ward.
11. 4. oversee the patients' conditions regularly and to
care for the concerns of doctors who take care of the
patients.
5. conduct ward rounds with staff nurse and plan her
daily activities accordingly.
6. coordinate the shift schedule, day/night off in
coordination with the head nurse.
7. meet the health care needs of all patients in the
ward.
