Do you consider it helpful or not to be given a Pt’s attitude during a report?

[DesiDani]

Or the visiting family members? Do you welcome it or do you find that it prejudice the report (does that make sense?). If you feel that a patients or family demeanor is important to pass along during a report, how do you word it?

Let's say you neglect to mention that a patient makes derogatory comments to you. The family member watches EVERYTHING you do like a FBI probe notes, names, and all. Would that lack of info matter to you?

[blackberry74]

I find it helpful. I actually find the patient is the complete opposite or there is something much deeper going on that "patient is an oddball'. Sometimes they are characters like me XD

[Irish_Mist, BSN, RN]

I think it is important to mention behavior of the patient or family members/visitors especially if said behavior is causing a disruption of any kind. I believe the oncoming staff needs to be aware so they can be better prepared to address any issues that may arise. Communicating these type of issues shouldn't be done from a gossiping standpoint but an informational standpoint. There is no denying that some family members or even patients themselves can create havoc and there are times that a great many people are informed ranging from the house supervisor, nurse manager, charge nurse, physician, security, etc.

[MinneNurse, BSN, RN]

Overall, yes I appreciate receiving this info in report, and with actual examples of the behavior/interactions. As others mentioned, this can be done professionally, and before bedside report is given (if you do this on your unit).

Since we encounter quite a bit of violence on my unit (mostly verbal assault but less frequently physical) I think this is important so we can prepare for the situation and to help protect ourselves, patients, other staff, etc. Especially if something occurred during the patient's stay, nothing is worse than being blindsided during your shift by a family member about an incident that occurred that you know nothing about. But even if its something not as serious such as overbearing family members, I always like to prepare myself.

[kiwinurse18]

I'd say important. If I know someone is vulnerable and upset about a diagnosis then I'll make sure I spend what spare time I have talking to them - rather than the patient whose happy they're going in for surgery finally. It informs where I may need to spend extra time for emotional support.

Family is important too. Are they are a seagull family? Are they supportive? Can I rely on them to bring something from home or do I need to figure something else out? Are they supportive or causing more harm than good?

Is the patient making derogatory comments because they don't like the way I do things or because they're upset and stressed? Those are two different things. I've had patients not like my attitude because they misinterpreted something I said and I have had them hate because they were in a cruddy situation. If the family are watching me constantly then maybe they need more reassurance or for to explain something a doctor didn't bother to say properly. That lets me know I need to change the way I nurse this patient and their family. Because if I can get the family to calm down that's always good for the patient.

Heck yes it's important.

[tynil]

I'd say it's helpful because then you go into the room knowing what to expect. It might make you a bit prejudiced towards the patient, but also you get a heads up that the patient is upset and from there you can really work on getting to understand why the patient is upset and working towards getting those interventions down for them whether it be pain meds or advancing their diet, etc.

[T-Bird78]

I'm in a clinic setting, so I relay to the physician if the pt is in a hurry or agitated or had a bad experience last time. We had a pt this week, new pt, and on the registration form pt crossed out M/F and wrote "transgender" on the demographics. We made sure to alert the doc before he went into the room so he didn't address the pt as Mr./Mrs. Last Name.

[jaderook01, BSN, RN]

Or the visiting family members? Do you welcome it or do you find that it prejudice the report (does that make sense?). If you feel that a patients or family demeanor is important to pass along during a report, how do you word it?

Let's say you neglect to mention that a patient makes derogatory comments to you. The family member watches EVERYTHING you do like a FBI probe notes, names, and all. Would that lack of info matter to you?

I like a heads up. However, I also like to be pleasantly surprised and often am. I generally have a good PR face and attitude and handle alleged problem folks just fine. I've often found it is the same nurses that seem to have issues with patients and families over and over again. Sometimes though, those warnings you get in report are right (sundowners, dementia, the family that wants everything done just so, et cetera). I'd rather know and for it to be wrong than to not know and walk into a true disaster. Forewarned is forearmed and all that.

[StJohnRiver]

Definitely helps. We do bedside report, but a quick "heads up" outside the room is much appreciated. In fact, that is usually the most important info I can get on a patient. I need to know what I am getting into. Many times I get a patient because I am a male and that patient has been, shall we say, making odd requests or comments about his female nurse. I know he is disappointed when they see me, but I usually have no problems from these patients.

[RNperdiem, RN]

If done professionally, I want to know.

These days with open visitation, the families can be at the bedside almost all day and night. A demanding family is like having an extra patient. I would want to know any family or patient behavior issues before I start my assessments.

[preemiepoweredRN]

I've been given report on the " most challenging patients and families" and then went on to have a completely pleasant shift with the same people. I think if it's a matter of safety ( for myself or other pts/staff) or a matter of liability ( non compliance with care, turning off monitors/ alarms etc) these things are absolutely important. Just passing along " I think the Pt/ family ..xyz" is not important and usually just creates unnecessary tension. Every nurse/ pt interaction will be different..Let's face it, not everyone works well together even in the best circumstances. Our job is to provide safe and professional nursing care regardless of our personal opinions.

[wondern, ASN]

I like the holistic approach so...

[gpsrn, MSN, RN]

I like to know if there is something that I should be aware of that could affect my patient or that could affect those who care for the patient. I do try my best to be more cautious of that patient but to also look for what can be done to decrease the attitude or complication