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

Nurses General Nursing

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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?

Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

Basically, I like to know what I'm walking into. If there is information I need to have safer and more effective interactions with the patient/family, I'm all for it. However, I don't use report as a chance to vent about patients for the sake of venting, and I don't find it productive to listen to anyone else do it either - at least not when one person is trying to leave and the other is just starting the shift. There's totally a time and a place for it, just... not then.

Specializes in Psych, Peds, Education, Infection Control.
In Psych, behavior is a primary indicator of the response to treatment.

For example, we currently have a manic Bipolar with psychotic features Patient whose axis ii behavior has toned down somewhat to the point that they are not as high maintenance due to the fact that they have been med compliant.

Yup, was coming in to say exactly this. In psych, obviously, the behaviors are critical information in the report. I do agree, though, with other posters in that there's a professional way to put things. We've all had some less-than-choice thoughts about patients, but it's best to phrase things in a way that you'd be comfortable writing in the chart. In my facility, it's easier to maintain that, because reports are tape-recorded so that later shifts can reference them. As for the family, I do very much enjoy a heads-up about them, even though our visiting hours are limited. Sometimes (especially in pediatric/adolescent psych) the apple doesn't fall far from the tree where difficult behaviors are concerned.

So, to put it in classic "Good Idea, Bad Idea" mode (for those of my generation who were hooked on Animaniacs)...

GOOD IDEA: "Susie Q is very impulsive and needed a lot of redirection today. She needs firm limits that are enforced; consistency is going to be key with her."

BAD IDEA: "I'm done. I'm DONE! Susie Q is a nightmare, oh my GOD. I'm about ready to open the door and let her out myself."

NOT A GOOD IDEA, BUT NOT THE WORST: "It is time to sprinkle Miracle-Gro on your butt and hope to grow a third leg, because you're going to be running." (Thank you, Nurstoons.)

(Not that I wouldn't smile knowingly and maybe even chuckle if you told me this off-the-record, privately, but most of us have been there.)

Specializes in Med Surge, Tele, Oncology, Wound Care.

In my state (two party consent) this is illegal. However, I would gladly give consent, as I have nothing to hide as I am sure most of you would too. Just the behavior behind the pushing of the record button itself says a lot about that patient!

I would want the information about patient personality or dynamics, so I speak in a manner that they would appreciate, or provide the type of interaction that is more meaningful for them. If they have certain routines or procedures they like, if possible, I offer before asked. It really helps to establish good relationships. That works for both the bedside nursing role and the NP role.

I realize that we are all different and all the training and good-heartedness in the world does not replace "knowing the patient."

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Why in the world would you need the Physical Therapist's attitude during report?

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
In my state (two party consent) this is illegal. However, I would gladly give consent, as I have nothing to hide as I am sure most of you would too. Just the behavior behind the pushing of the record button itself says a lot about that patient!

Nope. Wouldn't be giving consent. I have nothing to hide, and I see no reason to record a nurse/patient interaction. Even if I were inclined to give consent, my nurse manager would nip that idea in the bud the MOMENT she heard about it.

In my state (two party consent) this is illegal. However, I would gladly give consent, as I have nothing to hide as I am sure most of you would too. Just the behavior behind the pushing of the record button itself says a lot about that patient!

Who is consenting to what? Can you expound for those of us that don't understand? Is this not part of the patient report and continuing care? It's not part of the documentation, but part of the conversation. I would be interested in hearing more.

Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

I find behavior more useful than demeanor in general. But when I am coming on to a unit full of pediatric psych patients I do like to know which ones are labile, which ones are pleasant and cooperative, which ones are oppositional. Also, if a parent is anxious or angry, it's good to get a heads up.

But in general, behaviors are more informative. I would rather hear "Pt punched the wall and threw breakfast tray" than "Pt was agitated."

Specializes in Pediatrics, Women's Health, Education.

If it's a personality conflict between the nurse giving report and the patient/family I prefer not to know. It makes me anxious going in and sets up a biased attitude. I prefer going in as a blank slate, unless there is a very serious, documentable issue that I need to know about.

Most of the time, I find the information to be helpful. If a patient has had violent episodes, it's important to know that, for everyone's safety. Also, if I know that I'm going to be recorded, I do appreciate knowing that. A personal problem for me is that sometimes, if I'm hearing about a patient that I have not met before, that they have caused issues, or their family has caused issues, it makes me more anxious than if I hear a patient is pleasant and cooperative. Sometimes it makes me more determined to establish a good rapport with the patient and be a nurse they appreciate, but other times, knowing that information almost inhibits a good rapport. But, that is a personal issue on my part, and I think most people would appreciate knowing that information. As far as passing the information along, I agree that it is important to focus on behaviors rather than "describing" the patient. Other people can sometimes hear the report if they happen to be nearby, so it is important to try and remain professional.

Specializes in Med-Surg/Neuro/Oncology floor nursing..

A lot of the ED docs if they come across a patient that is especially ornery they will describe the patient as "unfortunate" (though I must say any patient that had to come to the ED is unfortunate) but that is the euphemism they use. But personally I am with seaofclouds..I just would really like to know if they are sexually harassing/sexually inappropriate with anyone and I also of course want to know if they are combative and if their is an overt reason causing it(drug/alcohol intox or detox, possible psych issues, head injury, medication side effects).

Nope. Wouldn't be giving consent. I have nothing to hide, and I see no reason to record a nurse/patient interaction. Even if I were inclined to give consent, my nurse manager would nip that idea in the bud the MOMENT she heard about it.

Did you hear of the incident where a family set up a hidden camera in the nursing home. Caught the RN ignoring their dad's cry for help before he died.

Nursing Home Hidden Camera Shows Dying Vet's Please For Help Ignored

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