The settings of nursing practice- the hospital

1. The settings of nursing practice- the hospital

2. the scope of practice in nursing The scope of practice refers to the • setting in which nurses work, • Categories of clients they care for • roles that the nurse plays in client care. Although the majority of nurses are employed in hospitals, work in other facilities such as schools, firms and companies while others are private practice.

3. The hospital setting • The word ‘hospital’ was derived from the Latin word ‘hospitum’ meaning a place to receive guests. • The hospital may be described as an institution whose main aim is to providerhealth care services for the sick and the injured; services provided may be preventive, curative or rehabilitation.

4. The hospital setting • The hospital is has a day-to-day function of delivering health care to its myriad of clientele; outpatients or inpatients. This function is carried out day and night. • It also serve an educational function; training of nurses, doctors, physiotherapists and many other members of the health team take place in the hospital. Thus health training institutions are affiliated to the hospital. • The hospital is also an institutions for clinical research.

5. The hospital setting Hospital may be classified according the range of services provided as • general-providing a variety of services – or • specialized where services are limited to a particular condition. Hospitals may also be classified according to ownership: • Government hospitals • Mission hospitals • Private hospital • Quasi hospitals

6. Departments in the hospital Depending of the size and range of services provided, hospitals may have few or several department including the following: • The nursing department made up of registered nurses of all categories, midwives, health extension workers, and orderlies. It is headed by the Director or Deputy Director of Nursing Services • The medical department made up of physicians, surgeons and other medical staff.

7. Departments in the hospital • The Dietary department usually made up of dietician, cooks etc. They prepare meals for the patient and at times services the canteen of the hospital. • The Radiology (X-ray) Department: made of radiologists, X-ray technicians and assistants. X-rays of various parts of the body are taken in this department; radiotherapy may also be done

8. Departments in the hospital • The Laboratory Department/Blood Bank • The Pharmacy • The maintenance department • The laundry • Out patient department • The Wards (in-patient are kept in the wards) • The Accounts department • The medical store • The Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) • The Supply Department/Medical Store

9. Departments in the hospital • The Administration Department • Social Welfare Department etc.

10. The wards • During his/her stay in the hospital, the ward is the patient’s ‘home’, where he/she must spend his day and night, eat and sleep. It is a place where his personal hygiene needs must be met too. • It must have the necessary amenities and be as comfortable and as attractive as possible. • The walls, cupboard/cabinets must have a washable finishing so they can withstand regular cleaning.

11. The wards A typical ward has the following (or more): • The nurses station/bay • The cubicles • Dressing rooms • Changing rooms • Coffee rooms • Offices • Sluice room • The washroom for staff and patients • The dinning room

12. The wards • The day/recreation room/play room • Pantry/kitchen • Store room • Delivery suit etc.

14. The wards • Items found in the ward/for patient care students should provide answers