Nursing Shift Report Form – SBAR Format

Ensure seamless and effective patient handovers with our **Nursing Shift Report Form – SBAR Format**. This essential printable PDF is specifically designed to facilitate clear, concise, and structured communication during shift changes, covering all critical aspects of patient status, background, assessment data, and recommendations for continued care.

Utilizing the widely recognized SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) framework, this form helps nursing professionals provide comprehensive yet efficient reports, minimizing miscommunication and enhancing patient safety.

Here are the key sections included in this vital shift report form:

• Patient Information: Captures essential demographic and identification details.
• Situation – Current Status & Primary Concerns: Provides a snapshot of the patient’s immediate condition and main issues.
• Background – Relevant History & Context: Offers pertinent medical history and contextual information.
• Assessment – Current Clinical Data: Records vital signs, physical findings, and other relevant clinical observations.
• Lines/Devices: Documents details of all indwelling lines, drains, and medical devices.
• Laboratory/Diagnostic Results: Notes significant lab values and imaging findings.
• Medications: Lists current medications, recent administrations, and any relevant alerts.
• Recommendation – Plan & Actions Needed: Outlines the proposed plan of care and necessary follow-up actions.
• Provider Orders to Follow Up: Highlights any pending or new physician orders requiring attention.
• Family/Visitor Information: Includes details about involved family members or visitors and communication preferences.
• Discharge Planning: Notes any ongoing discharge planning efforts or considerations.
• Signatures: Provides spaces for both the reporting and receiving nurses to sign, ensuring accountability.

Who is this for? This Nursing Shift Report Form in SBAR format is ideal for:

• Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
• Nursing Students during clinical rotations
• Charge Nurses and Nurse Managers
• Hospital Units (e.g., Med-Surg, ICU, ED)
• Long-term Care Facilities
• Home Healthcare Agencies

Use this form to standardize your shift handovers, improve continuity of care, and enhance inter-professional communication, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.