Hand-off report without blaming

[RN_Kosh]

Hello! Question from a new nurse with less than a year experience. I had to give a hand-off report with MD in charge sitting in a feet distance. How do I mention things in the hand-off report that I asked MD to review, but that were not taken care of by the end of the shift?

We had a very busy day, and resident was working non-stop. My issues were not urgent, so I understand that they were not at the top of his list (like clarification of a TF order, or change meds route from Oral to NGT, or change NGT drainage from intermittent suction to gravity). At the same time, I want the incoming nurse to know that I did not omit these things and asked for the change in orders. I said that I asked Dr. X to review those and orders are still pending update. I feel so bad, I think he heard me and it looked like I was blaming him. He is a very pleasant doctor, and we worked well together that day. I did not know how to word it differently (English is my second language). Maybe it would have been better if I said in general "I reported/asked for this, but orders are still pending", without saying his name. I mentioned his name because I wanted to be respectful 🤦‍♀️ How do you give a hand-off report in front of MD when you need to endorse tasks to an incoming nurse about things you requested, but MD hasn't taken care of? 

[JKL33]

"I have put in requests for these orders to be updated."

You don't need to say more; is implied that they have not been updated yet because if they had been you either wouldn't have had to mention them at all, or else you would report on them using the new context  "NGT to gravity" whatever.

[RN_Kosh]

Thank you! Very concise. 🙌

[JKL33]

You're welcome and thank you for posting a thoughtful question. 🙂