dawnv368

I work on a psychiatric unit and bedside shift report was recently made a requirement for us . We only do it once a day, from days to evenings. It's actually worked better than anyone expected. Not only does it give my patients a way to know who their oncoming staff is, it also gives them the chance to ask questions and it gives staff the chance to pass on any information that a patient may try to use to split staff. It's has practically eliminated all staff splitting from shift to shift. As far as addressing negative behaviours in front of the patient we do it in a matter of fact way. Pt did this, this and this earlier but after seclusion, or prns or whatever intervention they were able to turn things around. It allows our patients to reflect on thier behavior as normal when stated matter of factly and not as something to be ashamed of. Which we all know those with mental health issues have enough shame. As far as our more psychotic or paranoid patients all we do introduce the oncoming staff, ask if they have questions and complete report outside their room. And we never wake a patient for report. We just do it outside their room. It has provided a much smoother transition between shifts for staff and patients. Staff are more punctual as well because report has to start on time and if they're late they have to go back and get report on their patient's from someone when reports over. None of us wanted to do bedside shift report and thought it was stupid in the psychiatric setting but I'm happy to report we were wrong. If you give it a chance and work out the kinks it really is a good thing.