No time to talk

somenurse · Dec 18, 2012

You might want to calmly either write out, or discuss, this concern with your manager----that report is taking too long, and that that time is being used as venting session for offgoing shift (or oncoming shift, or whatever is true thing to say).

Perhaps the manager could try to discuss this at next staff meeting,

or,

better yet,

hold a staff meeting specifically to discuss that issue.

I once worked a unit, where the offgoing shift TAPE RECORDED their reports. The offgoing shift had to wait while oncoming shift completed listening to the tape, in case there were questions. THAT really shortened up the time we spent giving/getting report--------tape recording it.

The reports were done on different recorders, and we'd leave a piece of paper on top of machine, "Jean, giving report on rooms 211 to 215"

and the oncoming nurses would find the tape that had their patients on it.

We used various rooms to listen to the tapes, so as not to be on top of each other.

There was a board on the wall in the nursing station,

with each nurse's name and the rooms s/he had, and we could ask that nurse, "where is your tape" if we were going to have her patients.

Sometimes, the nurse would put post-it note, "my tape is in utility room" or whatever

Another advantage,

was

the off-going shift was free to field call bells, etc, while the oncoming nurses were in report. (you know how sometimes, during shift change, call bells etc, can get ignored cuz everyone is in report at same time?)

Another advantage, was, less chit chat/off topic stuff, dragging out the report.

Another advantage was, the offgoing nurse could pick what time she gave report. Veyr handy for the nightnurses, who often are super busy from 6am to 7am with tons of 7am meds, accuchecks, weights, etc, to be able to continue on with that work.

We were, of course, allowed to verbally give updates that might have occurred since we taped the report, too.

Might be something to consider trying on your unit, who knows. We liked it.

SionainnRN · Dec 21, 2012

I honestly can't see taped report being faster. You not only do you have to record the report but then stick around to make sure there aren't any questions rather than doing both at once. OP if I were you I would just find the nurses you are giving report to and be upfront and say "alright I'm giving report who wants to go first" be assertive and go at your speed making them keep up with you. If they don't want to get report then, go on to the next thing you need to do. If they make you run late I would make sure you don't clock out early and let your manager know that it's their fault you are late.

I had this happen a lot when I was on nights, dayshift would waltz in, wanting to get their coffee and eat their breakfast before/during report. Very frustrating.

ParvulusPuella · Dec 24, 2012

We tape at my hospital. Shift starts at 7 and ends at 7:30. Assignment for the oncoming shift us done by 4 or so, and tapes are divvied up by nurse. That way they only have one tape to listen to, but we may have to record on more than one if our pts are split between nurses. When they come in at 7, they listen and most of the time it only takes 20 minutes, leaving 10 minutes for updates. That way we usually always get out on time.

brownbook · Dec 25, 2012

Maybe just interrupt, say......"excuse me but report is taking to long I need to start my rounds, just tell me the highlights I can read the rest", repeat, repeat, repeat as needed.

Same for the whining, interrupt...... say "yea, that annoys me too but I need to start my shift." and pick up a chart start reading, or go to the med room start pulling drugs, or walk down the hallway to start your rounds, repeat, repeat, repeat.

anotherone, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2012

cut them off and keep goung with report. you have to or else get used to being behind. i just interuot them and ignore it and move on . ok iv site? blah blah blah. if i dont want to hear it and it is not anything to do with pt just interup them and get back on track. while at work or nurses station ignore them and go about your job. let them talk then say , "ok. i have to go assess so and so"

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2012

` I would deal with it directly. I know this place can be frustrating at times but I need to get to my patients so can we just continue with the report please". it will go over better if you are very polite,acknowledge their frustration (just once) and thank them for a good report when they are done or say have a great rest of the day..thank you for for working so hard on your shift. Or you could say something like " I know you have worked really hard all shift so lets stick with the report so you can get on out of here and relax"

You may have to do this several times but they will get it and they will actually like giving you report b/c you will be supportive in a positive way. Stay positive and never get snippy and acknowledge any good they have done, :yes: works wonders :)

eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN · Dec 26, 2012

You could tell them up front that you feel like you start your shift already behind because of long report. Be honest with them. If you do in room report that could be hastened by walking to the next room so you don't give them time to complain without doing so in front of patients. If you are unable to solve it I'd suggest talking to your manager and suggesting a new approach. We have report sheets for each patient that save a lot of time and are helpful to know most info quickly without it being told in report and it being written over and over again by each nurse.