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A quick guide to the Nursing Handover

A quick guide to the Nursing Handover

A very relaxed nursing handover!

What is the Nursing Handover?

The nursing handover report is probably the most important part of each nurse’s shift.

It is the time when essential information is passed on to the next shift and gives the team leader the opportunity to “resource manage” the time and subsequent financial cost of the nurses on her/his ward.

Handover has traditionally taken place off the ward, usually in the office, this can lead to long, irrelevant and, sometimes, unprofessional reporting.

Alternative methods of passing on information such as, bedside reporting, tape-recording and written reports, may refine the process and make it more applicable to practice.

The nursing handover process

If you are giving the handover start by having a written report for each patient you need to discuss, keep to the facts and if you’re worried you may have missed something ask other members of the team if they have anything to add.

Your report should contain every detail of the treatment and care given to the patient during your shift.

It is best not to abbreviate medical and nursing terms as this can often lead to misunderstanding and confusion. If you do need to abbreviate make sure that you fully understand what they mean, someone will always ask!

When giving the report keep it as concise as possible, stick to the facts and try not to get sidetracked.

If you are reporting at the bedside remember that the patient is within earshot and be aware of what they know about their condition and treatment.

When receiving the report write down all the important points, don’t be afraid to ask if you are unsure of anything.


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