This chapter discusses hospital admission and discharge procedures. It defines admission as allowing a patient to stay in the hospital for treatment. The main purposes of admission are observation, immediate care, investigation, treatment and meeting patient needs. Types of admission include diagnostic, therapeutic, short-term and long-term admissions. The nurse's roles in admission include preparing the unit, receiving the patient, performing assessments, coordinating care, and orienting the patient. Discharge planning involves discussing care after discharge with the patient. Types of discharge include planned discharge and discharge against medical advice. The nurse's roles in discharge include reviewing orders, educating patients, and preparing the unit for the next patient.