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

REQUIREMENTS #

Patient’s folder (Electronic/Manual)

STEPS #

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