giving report and research

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after a couple of years on the floor, i'm starting to question my end of shift hand-off.

the new nurses sit there for over 2 hours gathering information and reading reports.

i told one of them, you're not oblige to give the entire history and physical to the next nurse. she replied "i don't want to look stupid" by the oncoming shift.

some of them even neglect patient care to read/research. i've witness a patient expire because the person had a CVA and nobody checked the person for over 6 hours. another RN was "too busy" on the computer to notice a trending dipping BP. ironically, the charge walked by when the CNA/MA clocked in another set of vitals and called the MD. person was transferred to the ICU.

my patients have lots going. should i make the effort in gathering more information?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Typically, there is only a brief amount of shift overlap in which to give report. It is unnecessary to include every last detail. Does your facility use SBAR for handoff? A brief summary of why the patient is admitted, a brief summary of pertinent background (when a patient is in for CVA, is an appendectomy done 35 years ago important? No!), a quick assessment summary, and any recommendations. Keeps things quick and standardized. We use SBAR in my facility for intradepartmental transfers- preop to OR, OR to PACU.

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Specializes in ICU.

It shouldn't take that long. You should already have the complete history from the report they initially got at the beginning of the shift. They should then write down the info throughout the day that they did and then include that in their outgoing report. It's something that you do throughout the day. Not sure what research all needs to be done if each nurse if giving a thorough report.

It is important to give a complete report. I'm a new nurse as well and I don't spend hours researching. If I have time, I may look at the initial paperwork that brought the patient in to get a better idea, or if I am confused on an aspect of treatment. But it's not something that takes hours. And I can run through my end of shift report in 10-15 depending on the patient.

That is something your charge needs to address though, not you.

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Specializes in PCCN.

They shouldnt really be accessing pt info if they are not on the clock. 2 hours is rediculous. they need to learn sbar.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

If I don't get a solid report then I will spend some time during my shift to briefly look up what I feel is missing. It should only take a few minutes per pt because I've learned how to quickly look it up over time (unless they're been admitted for a month or so).

I like the information so I can see the bigger picture and know the background if the pt codes, before the pt codes.

A strong report should of already been given during bedside report, if this is an issue then it should be addressed so nurses don't waste pt care time on looking up report.

If they are looking up info and ignoring pt care then this is already an issue and you have the blind leading the blind on your unit ~ yikes:wideyed:

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