Help with research/report

Hello! I'm a senior in the BSN program. I'm started my practicum. With so many patients, I'm not able to do the same research I did during clinicals with just two patients. I am wondering is there anything specific I should look for in each patients chart to write down. I am trying out different report sheets to see which one I like but some have a lot, some have a little, and some have just boxes to fill in information. I am just so overwhelmed with all the information I'm never sure what I should look for and write down when first looking into my patient in the morning.

Also, when you give report at the end of a shift. What should you always be sure to tell the oncoming nurse?

I've asked my preceptor this but she was busy and she said it depended on the patient and if she's had the patient already and for report if the oncoming nurse had the patient before. I said what if the oncoming nurse hadn't had the patient before and she said just describe what brought the patient in and about your care for the day and how the patient did. So I guess I kind of get what to report. I guess it's more not knowing what to look for when first researching each patient.

Also, I just don't understand how my preceptor is able to remember so much about each patient! It's amazing! If I don't write it down I never remember. Like I checked a patient's blood sugar and I looked at the result and then got interrupted and forgot and had to dock it and wait for it to go in the computer to see the result! How do all of you guys remember everything?

As usual, thanks for any advice you guys can give!!