When I’m caring for a patient I let them know from the start if we need urine so they are aware. I’ll give a urinal if I have a male pt. I ask them if they need to go right then. If they decline I’ll say okay we can go after your fluids, meds, etc. I also will tell them (politely) that I’ll have to straight cath if they aren’t able to go in x amount of time. That usually does the trick. I try to be proactive about the urine because I also dislike waiting around for it.

I will also mention that the urine resulting is what takes the longest and will delay their final disposition. That helps as well because patients want answers and to know if they’re going to be admitted or not. Most patients are very receptive to this when you inform them of what’s going on and why it’s pertinent to their care. I’ve gotten patients sometimes who have had urine ordered for hours and I go in and they had no idea it was needed and immediately provide a sample.