Hospital Nursing Policies

Hospitals usually have strict policies nurses must follow.

Nurses are the primary caregivers for patients, taking blood, administering intravenous medications and making sure patients are comfortable. Nurses must follow hospital policies when they administer care for patients.

Policies to Maintain Order

Many hospital policies are designed to promote orderly operation and effective nursing. For example, most hospitals will enforce policies that proper admission must occur before a patient receives care. Proper admission procedures include taking the patient's name, surveying existing health issues and noting the specific date and time the patient entered the hospital.

Preventive Policies

The purpose of some hospital policies is to ensure that patient safety is upheld and to protect the facility from litigation. For example, nurses generally must check vital signs periodically and log the specific types and amounts of medication administered to each patient.

Emergency Policies

Some of the most important hospital policies specify what should occur in an emergency situation. For example, in the event that a patient is missing or there are security conflicts or a natural disaster, consultation with the nurse staff supervisor and hospital administration is required.

References

• Utah State Hospital: Nursing Policy and Procedure Manual