Patients' health has a more significant chance of improving or remaining stable if they understand their condition which is why it is valued for nurses to communicate effectively (Han, 2009). Proper communication by a nurse can give caregivers and/or patients the powers of freedom and independence concerning their health once they are discharged from the hospital (Bauer, 2009). Identify Nurses Roles in Discharge Planning

In most discharge planning, nurses have a central role. As a generalization discharge planing, nurses ensure that their patient receives their medication, instructions, and have discussions with patients and their family regarding concerns dealing with discharge (Han, 2009). Nurses must identify those who require discharge planning and begin the transfer from one facility to another (or to home) (Han, 2009). Also, they must be sure to frequently review whether the quality and quantity of resources outside of the hospital is suitable for their patient's needs (Bauer, 2009). The nurse acts as a liaison between health providers and patient as well as companies and services that offer wheelchairs or other items that a patient may require after discharge (Bauer, 2009). As a whole, the nurses' job in the discharge process is to ensure their patient will receive adequate, sufficient, and quality care after they are discharged from their original place of care (Han, 2009).

Why patient teaching is important in discharge planning

Patient teaching is important in discharge planning. The knowledge patients possess after discharge is extremely beneficial and useful after their stay in the hospital (Han, 2009). During patient teaching, nurses instruct patients on how to recognize symptoms of conditions related to their current health and how to contact physicians should symptoms occur (Han, 2009). This is vital...

Patients are more likely to have the ability to care for themselves after patient teaching (Lamiani, 2009). Because patients will be without nurses and other members of a health care team after discharge, it is important for them to have independence when it comes to their condition (Bauer, 20009). For this reason, patient teaching is an integral aspect of discharge planning (Lamiani, 2009).
Identify basic principles of good patient teaching

The most basic principle of good patient teaching is providing information to the patient. Specifically names, addresses, and phone numbers of the hospital, support groups, and other helpful organizations (Han, 2009). Nurses also teach patients of exercises pertinent to their situation in order to relieve them of pain and build strength (Han, 2009). Depending on their issue, patients may have several bodily changes or side effects due to medication (Han, 2009). For this reason, nurses must inform their patient of all potential changes and side effects so the patient is not taken aback and is instead prepared if they occur (Bauer, 2009). In summation, the basic principle of good patient teaching is quality instruction in which patients receive information in an easily understandable manner.

Reference List

Bauer M, Fitzgerald L, Haesler E, & Manfrin M (2009). Hospital discharge planning for frail older people and their family. Are we delivering best practice? A review of the evidence. Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol. 18 (18), 2539 -- 2546.

Han C.Y., Barnard A., & Chapman H. (2009). Emergency department nurses'

understanding and experiences of implementing discharge planning. Journal of Advanced Nursing Vol. 65 (6), 1283-1292.

Lamiani…