Taped handovers

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Has anyone had experience of taped handovers between shifts? If so, iI'd like to hear from you. ell me what you think of them.

Di Davies RN

sparrow

57 Posts

We had taped handovers when I was in nursing school in the early '70's. I hated them then and still do (we do it now where I work). Oh, sure it cuts down on overtime pay but as sure as you have a question about a patient, the person who has stayed to cover the unit during report WILL NOT BE THE ONE WITH THE ANSWER! That is one who has gone home and (providing she goes straight home or has a cell phone) you will have to wait to ask the question. Also, I always felt that report was ssort of an impromptue care planning session where ideas were ezchanged about how to best meet the needs of the patient. THis isn't possible with a tape recorder.

schultz2

1 Post

Yes, we used taped shift changes. It is difficult most of the time, due to decreased staffing. You only get a partial taping, then need to wait for someone to come in and give an or update anyways. Usually, coming out of report, you would need to get further update from point of original taping.

Heather27

68 Posts

We use taped reports as well, but have fifteen minute overlaps on our shifts, so it isn't a big problem if you have a question about a patient/resident. ALSO, I work LTC, so we KNOW the people and know if there is an abberation that should be looked into more closely.

The one problem we USED to have, was that some of the nurses were, well, rather verbose, and liked to share TOTALLY irrelevant things about our resident's days. I mean, who REALLY needs to know that Mrs. X looked lovely in the new pink sweater her daughter bought her for her birthday!? The point is, that taped reports need to be concise and relevant, while conveying all necessary concerns, and probably needs to be augmented by clear and accurate charting.

It seems to work out okay in BOTH the LTC facilities I work in.

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