UP’s KGMU issues first-ever nursing manual, bans nail polish and heavy jewellery on duty

King George’s Medical University (KGMU) here has, for the first time, issued a comprehensive nursing manual, laying down clear rules, responsibilities, and conduct guidelines for its nursing staff. Until now, the university had no such framework in place.

According to the newly issued manual, nurses on duty are prohibited from wearing nail polish and heavy jewellery. The rules will be displayed on boards across the hospital, from the emergency department to wards, to remind nursing staff of their duties.

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KGMU spokesperson Dr K K Singh said the manual has been implemented in the interest of patients. “For the first time, a nursing manual has been prepared that defines the duties, rights, and leave rules for nurses. Earlier, nursing officials enjoyed rights like clerical staff, including leave, but that will no longer be the case. From now on, nursing staff will have to follow the manual strictly,” he said.

The rules will also be displayed publicly so that patients and their attendants are aware of them. Based on these guidelines, patients can seek information from nursing staff regarding their duties. Importantly, if the rules are not followed, patients and attendants will have the right to file complaints with the authorities.

Dr Singh explained that the manual includes several directives for nurses, including speaking politely with patients and attendants; informing patients about doctor consultation timings, medicine shops, water facilities, meal timings, and barber availability; ensuring doctors see patients when required; reporting to the in-charge physician if an on-duty doctor fails to respond to calls; and reaching patients promptly upon being called.

The other guidelines include sending patients for investigations with ward attendants; dispatching blood samples to the blood bank through ward attendants; starting blood transfusions in the presence of patient attendants; maintaining hygiene and infection control, including handwashing; forwarding discharge summaries with files to the accounts section; and providing discharge summaries and master charts to patient attendants.

This first-ever nursing manual at KGMU is expected to bring more discipline, transparency, and patient-centric care in hospital services.