How long is your shift report?

RNKPCE · Oct 12, 2003

Is report verbal, taped or written?

Verbal are the longest people tend to make subjective comments instead of sticking to the facts, or they go off on tangents. Written report is the most concise. We used to use a report sheet but then switched to flow sheet charting, so the flow sheet gets passed on and that is the report. If there is something that needs to be said one to one that is noted in the overview report the charge nurse reads.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2003

As a charge nurse I get a little frustrated with the nurse to nurse report that takes 45 minutes because someone has to be out there covering patients, answering questions, getting pain meds, etc.

A floor in our hospital recently went to written report to cut down on the time of the verbal report. There was a lot of resistance, but now I've heard from virtually everone that they like it. Cuts back on all the unnecessary talk.

I would just come in a couple of minutes early and get your ducks in a row and be ready for report early. The ones who take 45 minutes are the ones who meander in and get a cup of coffee then have to work on their worksheets, looking at the cardexes and then are ready about 20 minutes into their shifts.

I'm ready for report when it's time to clock in and I get a little aggitated if I'm not done with report in about 20 minutes.

Good luck. As the newbie, it's difficult to change the paradigm. But perhaps you can suggest things that might help them.

gizzy76 · Oct 12, 2003

Well, the report is supposed to be taped but they never seem to get to finishing it so they do it verbally a lot.

For example, a couple of days ago I followed the nurse I was orientating with into the report room and the charge nurse from nights was still taping report. We sat down at the table and listened to the rest of her report, and she was talking to us while doing it. A couple other staff members trickled in at that time and sat in on it and when report was finished I went to stand up and guess what, they started playing the tape over from the beginning so we got to listen to it all over again. I was not impressed.

A few of the nurses have told me that they are open to suggestion on how to shorten report...I'm just not too sure what to suggest...

RN~in~CT · Oct 12, 2003

I work eves, and we tape report. I try to start taping b/w 9:30-10pm ~ this way I can get it done. If there are addendums/changes by end of shift, I either write an fyi note and leave it w/ the recorder, or verbally tell the oncoming nurse.

This has been my 1st experience w/ taping, and I must say that overall I really like it! It really does cut down on report time....I can usually get my taping done in 10 minutes, where verbal could easily run 30-45+ min.

One drawback...it has taken me longer to get to know the other shifts d/t less interaction.

berry · Oct 12, 2003

all i want to know is

1-why they are here

2-any really off the wall finds labs,xray,ct,assessment

3-what have you done and what do i need to do (meds/labs)

five minutes tops for each pt with most of the pm shift i can turnover or recieve3-4 pts in less than ten minutes maybe the er is different but no way in hell am i listening for 45 min about 1 pt and we report off quite a few icu pts still less than five mintutes

ex room 23 came resp distress 60wf bilt rales, feet look like elephants intial sat84% awtg admit orders bnp was 580 rest of labs pretty normal I gave her 60 lasix, 1inch nitro past, foley put out about a liter -sob now sp02 95-100%

done and thats i need to now because i am going to see the pt and review the chart as i put in my assessment

Teshiee · Oct 12, 2003

I work in NICU depending on how many patients, if the same nurse is relieving me about 15-20 minutes verbal. I like to keep it simple with pertinent information. If they do not know the patient I make allowances for that by going into more detail with their diagnosis and care.

Monica RN,BSN · Oct 13, 2003

I have seen the nurses say.. "All are alive and well.. No changes, no new probs.. Bye, see ya..." (LTC patients never change unless they die, or a new on happens to come in.. LTC stays full and the patients rarely change at all)

I too, want the basics such as why they are there, any new orders/probs, phone calls that are out so I have a heads up if I get a return call... SIMPLE STUFF.. about 15-20 min. is all that should be needed.

MishlB · Oct 13, 2003

It depends on a lot of things...we never tape report. I try to always make up a sheet with the meds that are due for the night shift, and any labs that need to be drawn. It makes it easier for them, and report is much smoother. I cannot stand when someone is digging through charts looking for answers that should be known after a whole shift. Don't like the long winded stuff either, just tell me what I need to know.

angelbear · Oct 13, 2003

MishIB, I work nights I bet they just love you I know I would.

nursenatalie, ADN, RN · Oct 13, 2003

I am so glad to see this topic addressed. I began working at a surgical unit a few months ago and it is hard for me to sit through report without rolling my eyes. You will hear where the IV is, what size it is and what fluid is running through it and at what rate for each of your patients. You will hear that they have an NG to LIS, all things that can be seen on the Kardex that we print and have in front of us...it irritates me to NO end...often times you are told the obvious and other things that may be important are left out eg: O2 sat drops to 70's when pt takes off 02 which he frequently does! I am new to the unit so I try to keep my comments to a minimum but I have told some nurses who dont get around to giving report until late to please only tell me what I cant see on the kardex and things that have changed

nursedawn67, LPN · Oct 13, 2003

Where I'm at now, it takes maybe 15 minutes and that is with counting out the narcotics.