Writing out the SBAR for the oncoming shift

[jamaicanL]

In our hospital there is not a policy but the unit has taken it upon themselves to start writing out the SBAR for the incoming shift. I am not opposed to bedside report nor am I opposed to SBAR but what I have a problem with is writing out an SBAR for the next shift. I cann't wrap this around my brain. The SBAR's I have received in the past are not accurate as to what is going on with my Pt. I stopped writing these SBARs out but every once in a while I will get a RN/LVN that gets bent out of shape because I am not writing thier SBAR out for them. I usually tell people to take notes. Our floor has an SBAR sheet that I don't use because I take my own notes and created my own SBAR so I don't miss anything with my Pts.

I am sure I will face my head nurse with this matter this week. 90% of the nurses on my floor have less than 2yrs experience to include me. I feel that we are seriously setting them up for failure if they expect me to write out SBAR notes for them. I was taught my experienced RN's and my instructors to give SBAR but also to take notes or have a "brain sheet" that works for me so I don't miss telling the oncoming shift or MD's anything about my Pt.

Any comments / advice would be greatly appreciated.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I worked on a floor once that required you to write out a brief 1 page summary report. I hated it because you still had to give verbal, so I never felt like it saved anytime at shift change. For some reason though all the other nurses loved it and I was the odd man out. I'd rather have verbal report any day and jot down my own notes

[JerseyBSN]

I agree. Giving verbal report is much more effective. Writing is best saved for good/accurate charting. I prefer verbal report too!