Change of Shift Handoff Report

[CarebearMurse]

Hello All,

I am a registered nurse in NYS, and I am trying to figure out if there is any law, or act, or regulation that clearly describes when a nurse coming on to a change of shift is responsible for a patient they are given for that shift. Back in school I was always taught never to take responsibility for a patient you have not received report on from the previous nurse taking care of the patient. Does this mean until you receive report you are not that patients nurse. If anyone can tell me where I can find the guidelines for this topic set by either the league of nurses, or state, or ethical board I really need clarification of this topic. Thanks

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Your BON Nursing Act might have something to say about that. Better check their website. In Texas the nurse has responsibility for covering certain items in documentation, so I assume that could be a guideline. Your facility should have a policy as well.Other than that, JC recommends the use of a tool called SBAR, but they cannot legislate its use.

[delphine22]

Trying to figure out what you're asking. You arrive at work at 1845, you have not received report on Pt. A, but their call bell rings -- technically it's still the outgoing nurse's patient, though I try to help if I can. On the flip side, if the outgoing nurse left something undone, like they didn't pass their 1800 meds, they will often take care of that after they finish report if necessary.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Once you have received a change-of-shift report on the patient, the individual now becomes your patient. The offgoing nurse has reported off to you, so now you have legal responsibility over the nursing care of the patients as soon as you have gotten report.