When a patient arrives, the first conversation sets the tone for their entire stay. In a clinical setting, we shift from everyday German to a more precise, professional language known as Fachsprache. This isn't about learning new grammar, but applying what you know to a structured, high-stakes context. The goal is to be both welcoming and clinically efficient.

Throughout the admission process, or Aufnahme, you will always address patients with the formal 'Sie'. This maintains a professional distance and shows respect. Your primary task is to gather accurate information for the Patientenakte, the patient's file, starting from the moment they walk in.

You can begin the intake with a clear, calm welcome. Simple phrases establish your role and guide the patient through the first steps.

• "Guten Tag, mein Name ist [Your Name]. Ich bin examinierte Pflegekraft." (Good day, my name is [Your Name]. I am a registered nurse.)
• "Ich werde heute Ihre Aufnahme machen." (I will be handling your admission today.)
• "Bitte nehmen Sie Platz." (Please have a seat.)

Once the patient is settled, the administrative part of the admission begins. The first item is typically their health insurance card.

After handling the insurance details, you'll conduct the medical history, or Anamnese. This is a structured conversation known as the Anamnesegespräch. Your questions need to be direct and unambiguous to ensure you collect all necessary information about allergies, medications, and pre-existing conditions (Vorerkrankungen).

Each answer must be documented precisely in the patient's file. Accuracy here is critical, as this information will guide the entire care team. Listening carefully and asking follow-up questions ensures nothing is missed.

Understanding the distinction between roles is crucial for clear communication. As a Pflegekraft, your role in the intake is distinct from that of the Arzt. You are responsible for gathering the foundational data that the doctor will later use to make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.

When documenting, it's important to be clear about who provided information and who performed an action. For example, after conducting the intake, you would sign your notes with your name and title. This ensures a clear, professional record of the patient's journey from the moment they arrived.

This structured approach to patient intake ensures that all necessary information is collected efficiently and accurately, forming a solid basis for the patient's care while maintaining a professional and reassuring environment.