So, you're a nursing student or a practicing nurse looking to nail that OET (Occupational English Test) writing task? One of the most common and crucial scenarios you'll encounter is writing a discharge letter. This letter is a vital piece of communication, ensuring the patient and their next caregiver understand exactly what happened, what needs to happen next, and how to manage their health after leaving the hospital. This article will break down the essential elements of an Oet Nursing Discharge Letter Sample, helping you write one with confidence.
Understanding the Oet Nursing Discharge Letter Sample
A discharge letter is essentially a detailed summary of a patient's hospital stay. It's given to the patient, their family, or their primary care physician to provide all the necessary information for a smooth transition back home or to another care facility. The OET writing test often simulates this scenario, expecting you to extract key information from a case note and present it clearly and concisely. The importance of a well-written discharge letter cannot be overstated; it directly impacts patient safety and continuity of care.
When crafting your OET Nursing Discharge Letter Sample, think of it like explaining a friend's medical situation to their parents, but in a much more formal and detailed way. You need to cover:
- Patient's identifying information
- Dates of admission and discharge
- Reason for admission
- Key findings and investigations
- Treatments and procedures performed
- Medications prescribed
- Follow-up instructions and appointments
- Warning signs to watch out for
Here's a quick look at what typically goes into a comprehensive discharge letter:
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Patient Details | Name, Age, DOB, Hospital Number |
| Admission/Discharge | Dates and primary reason |
| Hospital Course | Summary of key events, treatments, and progress |
| Discharge Plan | Medications, diet, activity, wound care, etc. |
| Follow-up | Appointments, review dates, specialist referrals |
| Important Advice | Red flags, emergency contact |
Oet Nursing Discharge Letter Sample: Post-Surgical Recovery
Patient Name: Mr. John Smith
Date of Birth: 15/07/1960
Hospital Number: HS1234567
Date of Discharge: 28/10/2023
Dear Dr. Emily Carter,
This letter is to inform you about the discharge of Mr. John Smith, aged 63, from our surgical ward today, 28th October 2023. Mr. Smith was admitted on 25th October 2023 for an appendectomy due to acute appendicitis.
During his hospital stay, Mr. Smith underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy on 26th October 2023. The procedure went smoothly, and he has been recovering well. His pain is well-controlled with oral analgesia. His surgical wound is clean and dry, with no signs of infection.
He has been advised on post-operative care, including keeping the wound clean and dry, and to avoid strenuous activities for the next two weeks. He is to continue taking Paracetamol 500mg every 6 hours as needed for pain. He has been prescribed a 7-day course of Amoxicillin 500mg three times daily.
Mr. Smith has a follow-up appointment with the surgical team in two weeks, on 10th November 2023, at 10:00 AM. He has been instructed to contact the surgical clinic or attend the nearest Accident and Emergency department should he experience increased pain, fever, redness or discharge from the wound, or any other concerning symptoms.
Thank you for your continued care of Mr. Smith.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Nurse's Name]
Registered Nurse
Oet Nursing Discharge Letter Sample: Management of Chronic Illness
Patient Name: Mrs. Mary Jones
Date of Birth: 10/03/1955
Hospital Number: MJ7654321
Date of Discharge: 28/10/2023
Dear Dr. David Lee,
This letter details the discharge of Mrs. Mary Jones, aged 68, from our cardiology ward today, 28th October 2023. Mrs. Jones was admitted on 23rd October 2023 for management of unstable angina.
During her admission, Mrs. Jones underwent a series of investigations, including an ECG and cardiac enzymes, which confirmed the diagnosis. She was stabilised on a regimen of Aspirin, Clopidogrel, and Atorvastatin. Her chest pain has resolved, and she is now clinically stable.
Her discharge medications include:
- Aspirin 75mg once daily
- Clopidogrel 75mg once daily (for 12 months)
- Atorvastatin 40mg once daily at night
- Bisoprolol 5mg once daily
Mrs. Jones has been counselled on the importance of adhering to her medication schedule and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a low-salt diet and regular moderate exercise as tolerated.
She has a cardiology review scheduled for 15th November 2023 at 2:00 PM. She has been advised to report any recurrence of chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness immediately to her GP or the nearest A&E.
Thank you for your ongoing care.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Nurse's Name]
Registered Nurse
Oet Nursing Discharge Letter Sample: Pediatric Patient
Patient Name: Master Liam Brown
Date of Birth: 01/05/2022
Hospital Number: LB9876543
Date of Discharge: 28/10/2023
Dear Dr. Sarah Green,
This discharge summary pertains to Master Liam Brown, aged 1 year and 6 months, who is being discharged today, 28th October 2023, from our paediatric ward. Liam was admitted on 26th October 2023 with gastroenteritis and mild dehydration.
During his admission, Liam received intravenous fluids and oral rehydration therapy. His symptoms have significantly improved, and he is now tolerating oral fluids and a soft diet well. His temperature is normal, and he is active and playful.
We have provided Liam's parents with clear instructions on continuing with oral rehydration solution (ORS) as needed, particularly after episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea. They have been advised to offer small, frequent feeds of bland food. His regular milk feeds are to be continued.
There are no specific medications prescribed for discharge. However, his parents have been instructed to monitor for signs of worsening dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, and lethargy. They should contact their GP or the paediatric emergency department if these symptoms arise.
Liam does not require a routine follow-up appointment at this time. His parents have been advised to seek medical attention if his condition deteriorates.
Thank you for your continued paediatric care.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Nurse's Name]
Registered Nurse
Oet Nursing Discharge Letter Sample: Trauma Patient
Patient Name: Ms. Chloe Davis
Date of Birth: 20/11/1998
Hospital Number: CD1122334
Date of Discharge: 28/10/2023
Dear Dr. Mark Evans,
This letter is to update you on the discharge of Ms. Chloe Davis, aged 24, from our trauma ward today, 28th October 2023. Ms. Davis was admitted on 20th October 2023 following a motor vehicle accident, sustaining a fractured tibia and fibula in her left leg.
Ms. Davis underwent open reduction and internal fixation of her left tibia and fibula on 22nd October 2023. The surgery was successful, and her post-operative recovery has been satisfactory. She has been managed with pain relief and physiotherapy has commenced.
Her discharge plan includes:
- Weight-bearing as tolerated, using crutches for mobility.
- Regular elevation of the left leg to reduce swelling.
- Surgical wound care: keep clean and dry, report any signs of infection.
Pain management will be with Paracetamol 1000mg three times daily and Ibuprofen 400mg three times daily as needed. She has been advised to avoid driving until cleared by her orthopaedic surgeon.
Ms. Davis has a scheduled follow-up appointment with orthopaedics on 17th November 2023, at 9:00 AM. She has been instructed to seek immediate medical attention if she experiences severe pain, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in her left leg, or if the wound shows signs of infection.
Thank you for your continued care.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Nurse's Name]
Registered Nurse
Oet Nursing Discharge Letter Sample: Post-Pneumonia Care
Patient Name: Mr. Robert White
Date of Birth: 05/09/1948
Hospital Number: RW5432198
Date of Discharge: 28/10/2023
Dear Dr. John Brown,
This letter summarizes the discharge of Mr. Robert White, aged 75, from our respiratory ward today, 28th October 2023. Mr. White was admitted on 22nd October 2023 with community-acquired pneumonia.
During his admission, Mr. White received intravenous antibiotics and oxygen therapy. His respiratory status has improved significantly, with reduced cough and shortness of breath. His fever has resolved, and his oxygen saturation is stable on room air.
His discharge medications include:
- Amoxicillin 500mg three times daily for another 5 days
- Azithromycin 500mg once daily for 2 more days
- Paracetamol 500mg every 6 hours as needed for fever or pain
Mr. White has been advised to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and avoid smoke-filled environments. He has been encouraged to perform deep breathing exercises as taught by the physiotherapist.
He has a follow-up appointment with his GP in one week to review his progress. He should contact his GP or attend the nearest A&E department if he experiences worsening breathlessness, fever, or chest pain.
Thank you for your continued care of Mr. White.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Nurse's Name]
Registered Nurse
Oet Nursing Discharge Letter Sample: Oncology Patient Transfer
Patient Name: Ms. Jessica Green
Date of Birth: 12/06/1980
Hospital Number: JG3344556
Date of Discharge: 28/10/2023
Dear Dr. Lisa Adams (Oncology Specialist),
This letter details the discharge of Ms. Jessica Green, aged 43, from our oncology ward today, 28th October 2023. Ms. Green was admitted for management of side effects related to her chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.
During her admission, Ms. Green received supportive care for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which has now significantly improved. She has also been managing her neutropenia with strict hygiene protocols. Her blood counts have shown some recovery.
Her discharge medications include:
- Ondansetron 8mg as needed for nausea
- Metoclopramide 10mg three times daily for 3 days
- G-CSF injection as prescribed by your oncologist
Ms. Green has been counselled on the importance of maintaining good hand hygiene to prevent infection, monitoring her temperature, and reporting any signs of fever (>38.0°C), chills, or sore throat immediately to the oncology department or A&E.
She has a scheduled follow-up appointment with you on 3rd November 2023, at 11:00 AM for her next chemotherapy cycle and blood work. She has been provided with contact numbers for the oncology nurse specialist and the chemotherapy unit.
Thank you for your continued oncological care.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Nurse's Name]
Registered Nurse
Oet Nursing Discharge Letter Sample: Patient with Multiple Comorbidities
Patient Name: Mr. George Miller
Date of Birth: 01/01/1935
Hospital Number: GM4455667
Date of Discharge: 28/10/2023
Dear Dr. Susan White,
This discharge summary is for Mr. George Miller, aged 88, who is being discharged today, 28th October 2023, from our geriatrics ward. Mr. Miller was admitted on 18th October 2023 with a urinary tract infection and exacerbation of his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
During his admission, Mr. Miller received intravenous antibiotics for the UTI and bronchodilators and increased steroid therapy for his COPD exacerbation. He has shown significant improvement in both conditions. His mobility has also been addressed with physiotherapy.
His discharge medications are:
- Co-amoxiclav 500/125mg twice daily for 5 more days
- Prednisolone 20mg once daily for 7 days, then to halve dose weekly as per plan
- Salbutamol inhaler as needed for breathlessness
- Tiotropium inhaler once daily
- Bisoprolol 2.5mg once daily
- Aspirin 75mg once daily
Mr. Miller has been advised to continue with his physiotherapy exercises, maintain adequate hydration, and avoid exposure to respiratory irritants. His daughter, Ms. Jane Miller, will be assisting with his care at home.
He has a review with his GP in 10 days. He has been instructed to contact his GP or the hospital if he experiences increased shortness of breath, fever, or signs of recurrent UTI. His district nurse will be visiting daily for the first week to monitor his recovery and medication compliance.
Thank you for your ongoing collaborative care.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Nurse's Name]
Registered Nurse
Writing a clear and effective Oet Nursing Discharge Letter Sample is a skill that improves with practice. By understanding the purpose of each section and using precise language, you can ensure your patients receive the best possible care even after they leave the hospital. Remember to always refer to the case notes carefully, extract the most critical information, and present it in a logical and easy-to-understand manner. With these examples and tips, you're well on your way to mastering the OET writing task!