# Getting Started

This guide covers the basics of using FlowRise HMS: logging in, understanding the interface, and performing common actions.

## Accessing the System

### Login

1. Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari)
2. Enter your facility's FlowRise URL (e.g., `https://hms.yourhospital.com`)
3. Enter your **Username** (usually your email)
4. Enter your **Password**
5. Click **Sign In**

> **Note:** If you don't have login credentials, contact your system administrator.

### Logout

1. Click your name/initials in the top-right corner
2. Select **Sign Out** from the dropdown menu

### Session Timeout

For security, the system may log you out after a period of inactivity. Save your work frequently to avoid losing data.

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## The Dashboard

After logging in, you'll see the main dashboard. This is your starting point for all tasks.

### Dashboard Areas

| Area | Description |
|------|-------------|
| **Left Sidebar** | Main navigation menu |
| **Top Bar** | Search, notifications, user menu |
| **Main Content** | The page you're currently viewing |
| **Quick Stats** | At-a-glance numbers (patients today, pending tasks) |

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## Navigation

### Using the Sidebar Menu

The sidebar menu organizes all features by category:

| Menu | Contains |
|------|----------|
| **Dashboard** | Overview and quick actions |
| **Patients** | Patient records and registration |
| **Clinical** | Encounters, vitals, notes |
| **Infrastructure** | Locations, departments |
| **Administration** | Users, settings (admin only) |

### Finding What You Need

**Search:** Use the search bar at the top to quickly find patients, locations, or services.

**Filters:** Many lists have filters to narrow results. Look for filter icons or dropdown menus.

**Breadcrumbs:** Use breadcrumbs (e.g., Home > Patients > John Doe) to navigate back.

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## Common Actions

### Searching for a Patient

1. Click **Patients** in the sidebar
2. Click **All Patients** or use the search bar
3. Type the patient's name, MRN, or phone number
4. Click the patient from the results

### Creating a New Record

1. Navigate to the section (e.g., Patients)
2. Click the **New** or **Add** button (usually blue)
3. Fill in the required fields (marked with *)
4. Click **Save** when finished

### Editing a Record

1. Open the record you want to edit
2. Click the **Edit** button (usually a pencil icon)
3. Make your changes
4. Click **Save** to apply or **Cancel** to discard

### Deleting a Record

> **Warning:** Deleting records is permanent. Use caution.

1. Open the record
2. Click the **Delete** button (usually a trash icon)
3. Confirm when prompted

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## Understanding Form Fields

### Required Fields

Fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are required. The form cannot be saved without them.

### Optional Fields

Fields without an asterisk are optional but may be helpful.

### Date Fields

Click the calendar icon or type in the format: YYYY-MM-DD

### Dropdown Fields

Click the field to see available options. Some fields allow multiple selections.

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## Tips for New Users

**Tip 1: Bookmark Important Pages**
If you frequently visit a page, bookmark it in your browser for quick access.

**Tip 2: Save Frequently**
Click **Save** often. Don't wait until you've made many changes.

**Tip 3: Ask for Help**
If you're unsure, ask a colleague or contact your administrator. It's better to ask than make mistakes.

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## Next Steps

- [Register a Patient](patient-management.md) - Learn patient registration
- [Quick Reference](quick-reference.md) - Common tasks cheat sheet