Need help when giving end of shift report

[IndyMitchell]

I work on a Ortho Medsurg Floor. Just wanting something to help me give a better end of shift report. We record our report on voice care.

I am also still trying to make a check off list to help me out.

The care plans are printed for us when we arrive to work and I go thru them and make notes on them and write the info I receive in report on them. Then during the shift any new info I write with colored pen.

I just don't feel totaly organized? And of course I feel like I don't give enough info on report about the patient. I remember in school we had to make the instuctor visualize the pt. by what we wrote in our report. But I just don't feel like you have time in the real world.

Just wondering ....Maybe I am being lazy, maybe I just think the new nurse can see for theirself when they do their assessment. I know to give import news in the report, like changes during the day or the night before problems.

New nurse stresssssssssssss:argue: Tina

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

Have you ever heard of communicating using SBAR? We were taught to use this system when calling physicians and it's also very effective with communicating with your peers.

Here's a link with an example of SBAR:

http://www.medleague.com/Articles/medical_errors/sbar.htm

[IndyMitchell]

thanks- Yes we was told that it would help when we talk to Dr.'s

I will look at it .

Thanks again,

Tina

[Hkmh81]

IM the same....i think maybe keep doing what you are doing and ask for feedback as a means to guide your view of the situation?

I do the same thing - keeping a running sheet of any significant events to assist in my end of shift handovers...

I just had my first day on my own as a new RN and am feeling overwhelmed and nervous about the next year - just taking it one day at a time at this point :-)

Good Luck!

[fiveofpeep]

I made a report sheet for myself based on things applicable to my unit and included things I frequently forget. If you're technosavvy, I definitely recommend this because since it is customized to you, you can make it work for you and keep you on track.