[judy ann]

I hope all ends up okay.
I worked one place where the off going nurse would meet me at the elevator, toss me the keys and tell me "Everybody is fine. I counted" and jump on the elevator. ---- and this was a L&D unit! I tried to talk to her,but only got to see her back. I went to the unit manager and we had a talk with her. Her answer was that she didn't see why she should need to give report. Just read the charts! The nurse manager disagreed, and told her she would give a report--at the nurses station--and I should let her know how this works out. I got report at the nurses station, somewhat grudginly, but complete.

[wayover20]

Originally Posted by needsmore$

I would continue to give a thorough shift report. If the on coming shift isn't paying attention-that's their decision and could be their loss. At least you are giving the oncoming nurse the info they need to care for this patient.

Sometimes down and dirty reports- although quick- can miss important tidbits. There is nothing more frustrating than having to call the previous nurse to find out if a lab test was done, was this med given, etc.

While I'm not a supernurse I do not like blow by blow details like where the iv site is and how many sticks it took you to get it, how many family members are with the pt and bugging you, or reports with personal opinions thrown in, etc. I work in a busy ER and when our shift starts, we head for "our charts" and read about the patients we're taking over and what has been done for them up to now. Then we get report from the nurse that tells us where we are now in the care of the pt and any PERTINENT info. I should not have to call to ask if a lab was drawn or a med given....you are charting and checking off as you go right?

[RoxanRN2003]

Originally Posted by wayover20

While I'm not a supernurse I do not like blow by blow details like where the iv site is and how many sticks it took you to get it, how many family members are with the pt and bugging you, or reports with personal opinions thrown in, etc. I work in a busy ER and when our shift starts, we head for "our charts" and read about the patients we're taking over and what has been done for them up to now. Then we get report from the nurse that tells us where we are now in the care of the pt and any PERTINENT info. I should not have to call to ask if a lab was drawn or a med given....you are charting and checking off as you go right?

Keep in mind, however, working the ER is different than the floor or ICU. As an ICU nurse, I still need to know what has gone on with the patient since I last cared for them (at minimum). I may never have had the patient or I may have had them 10 times. You are correct, I don't need to know where the IV is unless I need to keep an eye on it (ie: phenytoin or dopamine running in a peripheral site and no CVL yet). I don't need to know what they had for breakfast yesterday unless that was the last time they ate. I DO need to know how their VS have been trending and what is used (if anything) to keep it in the target range. I DO need to know how they are tolerating the vent and what sedation/paralytic is being used and last time used. I DO need to know which consult I need to call for which problem. I DO need to know about family interaction. Are they unwilling to accept what has happened? Are they asking the same questions repeatedly? Are they causing agitation to the patient? Do they adhere to visiting hours? I want to know this in advance so I can plan how I'm going to deal with them, if needed.

This is just me. I'm sure others may not want all this information. As we've gotten to know each other, we've figured out what the others like to know in report.

[wayover20]

Originally Posted by RoxanRN2003

Keep in mind, however, working the ER is different than the floor or ICU. As an ICU nurse, I still need to know what has gone on with the patient since I last cared for them (at minimum). I may never have had the patient or I may have had them 10 times. You are correct, I don't need to know where the IV is unless I need to keep an eye on it (ie: phenytoin or dopamine running in a peripheral site and no CVL yet). I don't need to know what they had for breakfast yesterday unless that was the last time they ate. I DO need to know how their VS have been trending and what is used (if anything) to keep it in the target range. I DO need to know how they are tolerating the vent and what sedation/paralytic is being used and last time used. I DO need to know which consult I need to call for which problem. I DO need to know about family interaction. Are they unwilling to accept what has happened? Are they asking the same questions repeatedly? Are they causing agitation to the patient? Do they adhere to visiting hours? I want to know this in advance so I can plan how I'm going to deal with them, if needed.

This is just me. I'm sure others may not want all this information. As we've gotten to know each other, we've figured out what the others like to know in report.

I agree, I was referring to ER nursing reports only.

[pricklypear]

I just think nurses, especially new nurses, or new to an area should give as detailed a report as they feel they need to. It takes a while to get to know everybody, and their preferences - and it takes a new nurse some time to be able to differentiate between what is important to pass on and what isn't. Sometimes, if I feel like someone is drifting with report, I will direct them back by asking specific questions. This helps them be able focus their report.

[needsmore$]

I just think nurses, especially new nurses, or new to an area should give as detailed a report as they feel they need to. It takes a while to get to know everybody, and their preferences - and it takes a new nurse some time to be able to differentiate between what is important to pass on and what isn't. Sometimes, if I feel like someone is drifting with report, I will direct them back by asking specific questions. This helps them be able focus their report



Well said

Anne