Is it okay to tape record on my phone my patient's report?

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Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

Okay, so I'm having trouble writing all the details and absorbing the information during the change-of-shift report. The nurses speaks TOO FAST like they assume I know the patient already. I always rush to write everything and miss details.

I'm considering resolving this issue by taping my specific patient's report on the "voice recorder" function on my Android smartphone. I would then plug in my earphones and play it back in case I think I miss something. Since nurses seem to somehow take 2-5 minutes on one report for a patient I think I will be alright listening it back with my voice recorder without wasting too much time.

Do you think this is an okay resolve for my problem? Am I breaking any HIPAA rules? I will definitely trash the voice recording after the clinical.

I need some advice on this. I don't know what else to do because I'm having trouble writing everything down while listening to what they are saying. And, it could be really disorganized the way some of them give report.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

No! This would violate HIPAA and patient confidentiality and likely get you tossed from your nursing clinical or program when caught. Especially since you would be using your personal smart phone. Apps are NOT secure (ever read the ToS or privacy policy off some of the apps? )

Search the student assistance forum for brain sheets. Having a form where you just need to enter values/data will likely help. ASK your clinical instructor for assistance and advice.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

Its not an app. Its a voice recorder function that came with the phone from the manufacturer

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Its not an app. Its a voice recorder function that came with the phone from the manufacturer

But it's YOUR phone. It's an application program installed by the manufacturer. Still not secure. Never record ANY patient info (photos, info, voice/sound) on your personal device. The HIPAA fines are not cheap. Being accused of breaking patient confidentiality will follow through your academic & professional careers.

Don't do it. Use a brain sheet. Ask for help.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I agree with BeachyNurse. This came up while I was a student. Definitely not allowed. You don't need to copy down every detail.

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You need to learn to use abbreviations and try to write the most important info if you can't remember it all. I mostly write down the info that I can't find in the charts later if I am having trouble keeping up. Also, work on giving report. I had a heck of a time with this at first, and still is an area of weakness, but I'm improving. Giving and receiving report I think are 2 of the skills you really need as a nurse and unfortunately you don't get enough practice in labs on this.

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What?? No! You absolutely cannot do that.

No, no, no.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

I'm shocked that you even have to ask this question, OP. NO. NO. NO. And NO.

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Do NOT use your phone to record ANYTHING. Period, end of story.

You need to improve your report taking skills. Find an easy to use printed report sheet (most nurses have one and are happy to share). I went through 3 different ones until I found one I was comfortable with. Also, don't be afraid to ask the reporting nurse to repeat something. They might get frustrated, but your focus needs to be on providing safe and competent care to your patient, not what another nurse thinks about your report taking skills. Use abbreviations instead of writing out whole words (HTN instead of hypertension, DM instead of diabetes mellitus, etc).

Don't you dare use your phone for recording anything.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

As JBN and PPs have suggested, use a brain sheet or organize your report by systems and labs, so you can plug it in.

It was against my schools policy to use smartphones during clincials; including recording report. :no:

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Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

OK. I will heed to everyone's advice and not tape it. Thanks. I will focus on writing

down everything then plugging it into a brain sheet and asking q's. Thanks.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

No!!! And if the nurses saw you do this you would be booted faster than the blink of an eye!

You need to learn to listen and jot things down, go to the kardex and chart to get anything you missed.

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