GENERAL RULES (PRINCIPLES) OF NURSING PROCEDURES

These are guidelines that should be observed as a nurse carries out all nursing procedures:

1. Show interest and devotion to duty and be alert and prompt in all your assignments.

2. Make the patient the focus of attention, as she/he is the sole reason for the existence of the nursing profession.

3. Be clean in appearance and behave with an apparent ease and assurance in all-nursing procedures.

4. Demonstrate and inspire confidence, knowledge of and efficiency in techniques at all times.

5. Use the available equipment and nursing appliances, which should be carried out quickly, quietly and methodically.

6. Trays and trolleys must be neat and complete to give an adequate nursing procedure.

7. Thoroughly test all equipment to make sure it is in good condition, before preparing the tray or trolley.

8. Display a high sense of responsibility in administration and custody of drugs and in the dispensation of any kind of treatment.

9. Keep up to date with new methods, techniques, drugs and lotions; know exactly their use, dosage, toxic effects and calculation of the dosage.

Patient’s Comfort

1. Ensure maximum comfort to the patient and respect his/her privacy by:-
   a. Telling him/her what is to take place, explaining the procedure as simply as possible.
   b. Protect the patient from draught and avoid undue exposure, make sure that windows are closed and screens appropriately placed.
   c. Establish a good nurse-patient relationship to secure the patients confidence and to induce their tranquility of mind.
   d. Observe any change in the patient’s general condition during the procedure.

2. Always prepare everything that will be required and have it by the patient’s bedside before beginning the procedure.

3. Lift and handle the patient as gently as possible exhibiting courtesy, efficiency, and skill.

Procedures

1. Use appropriate equipment. Patient’s comfort being at the center of all procedures.

2. Exercise aseptic precautions where indicated in procedures.

3. Avoid cross infection by observing the rules laid down.

4. An emergency tray must always be at hand for any procedure likely to end into a shock.

Steps of carrying out Nursing procedures

1. Collect the equipment needed and prepare the tray/trolley.

2. Explain the procedure to the patient.

3. Screen the bed and close adjacent windows

4. Bring the tray/trolley to the bed side.

5. Position the patient.

6. Wash hands.

7. Carry out the procedure.

8. On completion of the procedure leave the patient comfortable.

9. Leave the surroundings dry and tidy.

10. Clean and replace the equipment.

11. Wash hands.

12. Report and record the procedure.

13. Send any specimens obtained to the Laboratory as soon as possible.