What it means
Given at the change of shift, when a client moves to another unit, or when a nurse goes on a break. A good handoff covers who the client is, the current condition, recent changes, care still to be done and any safety concerns. Many units use a set format such as SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) and give report at the bedside so the client can take part.
For the nurse
Give and take report in a quiet place, check the client together when possible, and let the receiving nurse ask questions. After report, the nurse who takes over usually sees the least stable client first.
At a glance
| Spanish | entrega de turno |
|---|---|
| Also written | handoff, handoffs, hand-off, hand-off report, handoff reports, handover, shift report |
Related terms
registered nurse
A nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN and holds a state license to practice as an RN.
plan of care
A written plan that lists a client's problems, goals and the nursing actions to reach them.