nursing report sheet 2 patients

The Ultimate Nursing Report Sheet Guide - Free Downloads!

As a nurse, you know the importance of clear and concise communication, especially when it comes to patient care. Nursing report sheets play a vital role in ensuring seamless handovers between shifts, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes. However, navigating these sheets can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for new nurses.

What are Nursing Report Sheets?

Nursing report sheets are standardized forms used to document a patient's condition, including vital signs, medications, treatments, and any relevant observations. They serve as a communication tool between nurses, ensuring continuity of care throughout the patient's journey.

Benefits of Using Nursing Report Sheets:

• Improved patient care: Clear and accurate documentation facilitates better communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals, leading to improved patient care.
• Enhanced safety: Reporting potential risks and concerns helps identify and address issues promptly, ensuring patient safety.
• Reduced errors: Standardized formats minimize the risk of errors and omissions associated with free-form documentation.
• Increased efficiency: Pre-structured templates save time and improve efficiency during shift changes.

Essential Components of a Nursing Report Sheet:

• Patient demographics: Basic information like name, age, diagnosis, and admitting date.
• Vital signs: Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
• Medications: Current medication list, including dosages, frequencies, and routes of administration.
• Treatments: Treatments received and planned, including interventions like dressing changes, oxygen therapy, and suctioning.
• Laboratory and diagnostic reports: Summary of recent tests and results.
• Neurological status: Level of consciousness, orientation, and any neurological deficits.
• Pain assessment and management: Description of pain, pain score, and current pain management strategies.
• Fluid intake and output: Total intake and output for the shift.
• Activity and mobility: Level of independence and assistance required for daily activities.
• Skin integrity: Assessment of skin condition and any pressure injuries.
• Nutritional status: Dietary intake and any nutritional concerns.
• Discharge planning: Current discharge plan and any anticipated needs.

Tips for Using Nursing Report Sheets Effectively:

• Complete the sheet comprehensively and accurately.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Document all relevant observations and concerns.
• Proofread the sheet carefully before handing off to the next nurse.
• Ask questions and clarify any uncertainties.
• Utilize standardized abbreviations and terminology.

By mastering nursing report sheets, you can enhance communication, improve patient care, and ensure a smooth and safe transition between shifts. Remember, accurate and efficient reporting is not just a good practice, it's a vital aspect of providing quality patient care.

10 Free Nursing Report Sheet Downloads

Our report sheets are used extensively throughout health systems across the country.

• Download and print PDFs, or edit in Google Docs/Microsoft Word.
• 1-4 patients per sheet, with portrait and landscape options.
• SBAR and Brain format:  Perfect for Med-Surg, ICU, Tele, Step-Down, and ER units.

1. Full-Size SBAR Nurse Report Sheet

• Perfect for new grads and nursing students
• Fly through report by circling options instead of writing everything
• 1 patient per sheet
• SBAR format
• Great for all units

2. Brain Nursing Report Sheet Template

• Brain format

3. ICU Nurse Report Sheet

• Great for ICU

4. Mini SBAR Nursing Report Sheet

• 3 patients per sheet
• Quick report taking with circling options
• Great for med surg and tele units

5. 4 Patient Nurse Report Sheet

• 4 patients per sheet

6. Brain Nursing Report Sheet

7. 2 Patient Landscape Nurse Report Sheet

• 2 patients per sheet

8. 3 Patient SBAR Nurse Report Sheet

9. Full-size Nurse Report Sheet Template

10. History and Physical Template

• H&P format
• Great for nurse practitioners and NP students

Free Downloads!

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WTO / Business / Reports / 18 Free Nursing Report Sheets (Templates)

18 Free Nursing Report Sheets (Templates)

A nursing report sheet is used by nurses in health establishments to obtain crucial patient information, which is then given to the nurse taking over the next shift.

This sheet is also known as a patient report sheet, an end-of-shift report, or a nursing brain sheet. It is vital for helping nurses monitor their patients when their shifts change. When nurses arrive for their shifts, they are given a report sheet from the nurses finishing their shifts. Thus, the report sheet is a concise and organized document for conveying important patient information used by the nursing staff.

A report sheet is necessary because it allows for a shorter period of transition between shifts by making the transfer of patients’ information between nurses quick and easy. In cases where patients are to be transferred to other units in the hospital, the report sheets are also handed over to the staff of the new unit.

Nurses, being the link between doctors and patients, are an important part of the healthcare sector, as are these report sheets. The reports contain vital information about patients’ diagnoses, allergies, attending doctors, treatments that need to be performed, medication times, vital signs, laboratory results, etc.  

Free Templates

Nursing Report Sheet Vs. SBAR Tool

SBAR tool is an acronym for a situation, background assessment, and recommendation tool used as a guide for writing a nursing report . If you are unfamiliar with the differences between an SBAR tool and a nursing report sheet, it may be challenging to distinguish between them.

An SBAR tool contains patient data that might not be included in the sheet, such as the patient’s medical history , the current state of health, necessary actions, and more.

Although they are not the same thing and contain different content, nurses can use an SBAR tool and the report sheet simultaneously. This is because the information about a patient in an SBAR tool is often a great help in completing the report sheets.

Furthermore, an SBAR tool also helps to provide a framework for communication between members of the healthcare team about patients’ conditions.

What to Cover in a Nursing Report Sheet?

When creating the sheet, there are important categories that must be included. This is done to make sure that the nurses arriving for the next shifts receive accurate patient information that has been recorded.

These categories include: 

Patient’s basic details

This is the primary information that should be recorded in the sheet. The basic details of patients, such as name, age, and code status, that point to the identity of the patients, should be mentioned. By doing this, any treatment-related misunderstandings that might arise due to the report sheets’ failure to include patients’ names are avoided. The code status reflects the patients’ identical relevant medical conditions. You should also note any possible allergies the patient might be prone to.

Other basic information that may be useful is the patient’s room number, date of birth, details of their power of attorney (next of kin), the date of their admission into the hospital, the name of the doctors treating the patient, any advanced directives , an updated record of their diagnosis, and details of their medical history, amongst other things. 

Information about the attending doctor

The name and other information of the doctors attending to patients should be mentioned on the report sheets. Indicating the names of medical doctors or physicians helps to know the right personnel to be updated about the patients. So, make sure to enter information about the medical doctor or physician assistant treating patients in the appropriately indicated sections on the report sheet. For example, the medical doctor’s details should be in the MD section, while the name of a nurse or physician assistant should be in the NP/PA section. 

Medical history of the patient

The medical history of patients should be mentioned in the spaces made available for it on the report sheet. It should contain recent medical conditions or those associated with the health issues affecting the patients at that given point. Ensure that you only include relevant medical conditions or past incidents because there is limited space available on the form .

Patient’s current health information

Apart from a patient’s relevant medical history , a reporting sheet must contain the patient’s current health information, because it determines the patient’s state of health and the medical treatment to be administered. It includes neuro information, which reveals the level of consciousness of the patient; the patient’s dietary restrictions or urinary considerations (if they need catheters), the condition of their skin, and if there are any wounds present that require care, as well as the type of IV fluid the patient is receiving. 

These vitals should be mentioned in the correct spaces on the sheet indicated as Neuro (neurological activity), CVS (cardiovascular system), Skin, and RESP (information about their respiratory systems), among others.  

Ongoing patient care

If they are regularly monitored, the report sheet must list every medication and ongoing care that was given. The ongoing patient care information mentioned on a report sheet should mention the dosages of medications being administered, the dates to undergo certain tests, their readiness for discharge, or their estimated duration of stay.

Future procedures

If patients have any upcoming procedures, this information is vital to include in the report sheet.  The nurses taking over the next shift must be aware if patients have any upcoming procedures that they should be prepared for in advance. 

Patient notes and recommendations

The notes and recommendations are used to explain things that are not included in the sheet. For instance, it must be mentioned that a translator might be needed if the patient speaks a different language. The notes and recommendations may also contain things like the patient’s routines, noteworthy triggers, special dietary requirements, room temperature, etc. 

What Should be Excluded?

Although the report sheets are meant to contain vital information about patients, that does not mean that they must contain every single personal and medical detail. There are some sections where details are not needed because they are not relevant to the existing health condition or they can easily be accessed by the nurses. Remember that it is common for nurses to make several reports at the same time, so reducing the amount of time spent on a single patient’s report is necessary.

Below are some of the things that should not be included in the report sheets:

Patient’s non-essential comorbidities

While it is advised to mention patients’ medical conditions in report sheets, only the primary ones and not the non-essential comorbidities that the patient may be experiencing should be included. This is because the patients may have multiple comorbidities, and mentioning them would require extra time and use extra space on the sheet.  

Every medication the patient takes

Following the same principle of mentioning only vital and important information, the sheet should only include important medications that are specific to patients. This is because patients are usually using multiple medications, and the nurse on the next shift can easily check them. So, it is advisable to only mention medications that are specific to the current diagnosis. 

Patient’s laboratory test results

This information is also not necessary to be included in a report sheet. Patients’ specific laboratory test results can be acquired by any nurse if needed because the information is usually readily accessible in a hospital.

Benefits of a Nursing Report Sheet

Having learned about what the sheet is, it is also necessary to outline why it is important for nurses. Outlined below are some of their benefits:

• It provides necessary information about patient care to the nurses taking over shifts who may be unfamiliar with the patients and their medical needs.
• It allows nurses to have fast and easy access to vital patient information so that when doctors ask you about a particular patient’s condition, it can be easily accessed to find key information required by the doctors.
• If nurses have to deal with multiple patients during their shifts, then report sheets on each patient will help to differentiate the patients and not mix up their treatments and medications . 
• A report sheet also serves as a reminder that helps to monitor the medications and treatments needed before the end of shifts.
• Another benefit is that it helps with charting accuracy. It increases the ease and accuracy of charting because it would be more accurate and easier to do when written on a report sheet or multiple reports if more than one patient is being tended to.
• Since creating a report sheet may serve as a reminder for nursing activities, it ultimately results in better time management because it helps specify shift duties.  
• It can also serve as a legal document showing the type of medical care a patient receives in a medical establishment if there is a need. Also, a nurse’s proof of due diligence can be confirmed through the entries on the report sheet.
• Nurses who diligently adhere to the routine of report sheets can actively improve the safety and care of patients. This is because even when off duty, the incoming nurses would already have ideas on how to adequately care for patients whose details have painstakingly been monitored.

The importance of nurses in healthcare cannot be overemphasized. Nurses play a major role in managing the healthcare system by ensuring continuity and accountability while working with doctors to take care of patients. This is achieved by maintaining a nursing report sheet where vital patient details are recorded and shared when necessary. This article has provided a general overview of what a nurse report sheet is, why it is important, and what must be included in it. It has also provided free templates for use. Following the guidelines given in this article, you should be able to customize a professional and detailed nursing report sheet that would help you and your colleagues perform your nursing duties effectively. 

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What is a Nursing Brain Sheet?

What is a nursing report sheet.

• How to Create
• Why They're Important

How to Read a Nursing Report Sheet

• Free Templates

Nursing report sheets, also commonly referred to as brain sheets or patient report sheets, are a valuable pre-made tool that nurses can use during a shift to keep important patient information. Truthfully, a report sheet is essential to making it through any shift. 

Keep reading to learn more about nursing report sheets and get free templates you can use!

A nursing report sheet is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a customized sheet that contains important information regarding the patient and their medical history. 

How Nurses Use Brain Sheets

Essentially, it is used to tell you the “down and dirty” about your patient. While every nurse should be going through their patient’s charts at the beginning of the shift and then throughout the shift, a nursing report sheet can be used to keep tasks and “to-do’s” organized. 

How Hospitals Use Them

Some hospitals will have one nursing report sheet that will get updated each shift with a specific patient, while others hospitals will expect nurses to write a new report sheet with each shift. 

Report sheets may go with the patient when transferred between units and are ultimately discarded when the patient is discharged. 

How to Create a Nursing Brain Sheet

What’s included on a nursing report sheet varies depending on the hospital, unit, and the individual. It will depend on the expectations and policies of the hospital, and it’s important to speak to the nurse educator to determine the unit’s best practices. 

Examples of what to include on a nursing report sheet include,

• Patient Information, including name, date of birth, room number
• Medical diagnosis
• Attending medical provider/coverage team
• Medication(s)
• Vital Signs
• Lab results, pending lab work
• Important procedures
• Family information
• To-do(s) for shift
• Nursing notes

Why Do You Need a Nursing Report Sheet?

Nursing report sheets can be the key to success when organizing information about your patients, especially if you work on a medical-surgical floor and have a higher patient/nurse ratio. 

There are some key benefits of the nursing report sheet, including, 

• Provide accountability 
• Improving the safety of the patient
• Standardized report
• Fast access to patient information
• Keeping charting organized
• Organizing patient care

Some nurses will read it from top to bottom, while others will organize it based on systems. 

Personally, most experienced nurses will organize their report sheets based on systems. Double-sided report sheets are even better, with one side having all the patient and medical information and the reverse side having an hourly checklist to help organize your shift.

To use a nursing report sheet, first start by including the information you can find in the chart, including basic patient personal information and health history. The remainder can be filled out during the shift report or after spending some time looking at the chart. 

3 Free Nursing Report & Brain Sheet Templates

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

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Nursing Report Sheets

Understand the key components of Nursing Report Sheets and the best practices for using them.

By Ericka Pingol on Aug 01, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

What is a Nurse Report Sheet?

A Nurse Report Sheet, also known as a nursing brain sheet or patient report form, is a comprehensive document that healthcare professionals use to communicate all the details about a patient's condition, treatment plan, and progress during shift changes or when transferring the patient between units or facilities.

Documenting through brain sheets is vital for ensuring continuity of care and effective communication among nurses, even nursing students, and other healthcare providers. This report sheet typically contains several sections that capture various aspects of the patient's medical history, current condition, and ongoing care (Mykkänen et al., 2016).

These sheets are especially valuable for a nursing student or a new nurse, as they serve as valuable education tools. They help students learn how to prioritize important information, communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals, and stay organized during their clinical rotations or job experiences as early in nursing school.

Nursing Report Sheets Template

Nursing report sheets example.

How does it work?

Our printable Nursing Report Sheet is divided into various sections to make filling it out easier. The sections include patient information, medications, vital signs, and assessments. Here's how to get started with this free template:

Step 1: Obtain a copy

You can download the free Nursing Report Sheet template using this page's link or the Carepatron app. It is also available in our extensive resources library.

Step 2: Enter patient information

Enter the patient's name, age, and other relevant personal information. Then, enter the patient's medical history, including any chronic conditions or medications they take.

Step 3: Record relevant details

Use the template to record the patient's vital signs, lab results, interventions, and other pertinent information. List any treatments or medications the patient takes and their response to them.

Step 4: Save your report

Once you have completed the Nursing Report Sheet, save it securely. This will make it easy to refer to the patient's information.

When would you use this Nurse Report Sheet?

You can use the Nursing Report Sheet template to provide a patient assessment and care plan . This includes admissions, follow-up visits, post-operative assessments, and other scenarios. This form is also useful to:

Monitor vital signs

Using a Nursing Report Sheet, you can easily track and record a patient's vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, temperature, etc. This information can help you create a comprehensive picture of the patient's health condition, especially for an ICU nurse, where this information is crucial.

Document interventions

When assessing patients, it's essential to document any interventions or treatments performed. A Nursing Report Sheet can help you keep track of all the steps taken to ensure a patient's safety and well-being.

Provide a comprehensive overview for other medical professionals

This template can provide a comprehensive overview for other medical professionals who may consult on the patient's care. This can help ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.

Keep a secure record of patient information

The Nursing Report Sheet is an easy way to store patient information securely and confidentially. It can help you monitor important information when giving a report.

Benefits of using a Nursing Report Sheet

Using a Nursing Report Sheet offers numerous benefits, especially ensuring patient safety and facilitating effective communication among healthcare professionals. Here are some key advantages:

• Promoting patient safety: Nursing Report Sheets help minimize the risk of medical errors by accurately documenting and sharing all relevant information about a patient's condition, treatment plan, and progress. This enhances the quality of patient care and helps prevent potential adverse events.
• Streamlining handoff communication: They provide a structured way to communicate crucial details to the oncoming nurse during shift changes or when transferring patients between units or facilities. This ensures that key information about the patient's condition and ongoing care is not missed or misinterpreted (Dingley et al., 2008).
• Enhancing continuity of care: Nursing Report Sheets enable experienced nurses and those new to the case to quickly understand the patient's situation and provide appropriate care by outlining a comprehensive overview of the patient's medical history, current condition, and treatment plan.
• Promoting organization and efficiency: Nursing Report Sheets are a central repository for all relevant patient information, allowing nurses to stay organized and efficiently manage their tasks and responsibilities during their shifts.
• Facilitating documentation: Many hospitals and healthcare facilities require these sheets as part of their documentation processes. These sheets provide a standardized format for capturing essential patient data, ensuring consistency and completeness in medical records.

Using medical record , care plan , and client list templates can elevate your practice and improve client success. These templates provide a systematic approach to documentation, care planning, and client management.

Dingley, C., Daugherty, K., Derieg, M. K., & Persing, R. (2008). Improving patient safety through provider communication strategy enhancements. In K. Henriksen (Eds.) et al., Advances in patient safety: New directions and alternative approaches (Vol. 3: Performance and tools) . Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US).

Mykkänen, M., Miettinen, M., & Saranto, K. (2016). Standardized nursing documentation supports evidence-based nursing management. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics , 225 , 466–470.

Commonly asked questions

A nursing brain sheet is a tool nurses use to organize and prioritize patient care tasks during a shift. It is a concise and structured document that outlines the patient's current status, medications, treatments, and any changes or concerns. The brain sheet helps nurses stay focused and ensure that all necessary tasks are completed during the shift.

A nursing report should include all relevant information about the patient's current status, including vital signs, medications, treatments, and any changes or concerns. The report should also include the patient's medical history, allergies, and any relevant test results or laboratory values. Additionally, the report should outline the

A nursing change-of-shift report commonly covers the patient's current status (vital signs, medications, treatments, and any changes or concerns), a list of the patient's current medications and treatments with dosages and frequencies, any changes or concerns the nurse has about the patient's condition or care, and the patient's plan of care, including goals, objectives, and any updates.

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Nurse's Brain, Part 4: Giving report to the oncoming nurse

RECAP: What is a Nurse’s Brain?

A Nurse’s Brain, also known as a nursing report sheet, is a term for a sheet of paper that nurses use to capture important patient information and stay organized. It contains sections for key areas like patient history, diagnoses, labs, medications, body systems status, and more.

In part 1 of this video series, Cathy walks through her Nurse’s Brain and how to use it. Using your Nurse’s Brain ensures a seamless end-of-shift report—to your CNA , other nurses, and the doctor or hospitalist . In this video, Cathy explains how to give a good nursing handoff report and improve your nurse-to-nurse communication.

Download Cathy’s Nurse’s Brain template

What is the end of shift report for oncoming nurses?

An end of shift report is a detailed record of a patient’s current medical status. It’s written by nurses who are finishing up their shifts and are then given to nurses who are beginning their next shifts. It should include the patient’s medical history, current medication, allergies, pain levels and pain management plan, and discharge instructions. Providing these sorts of details about your patient in your end of shift report decreases the risk of an oncoming nurse putting the patient in danger.

Why is the end of shift report for oncoming nurses important?

An end of shift report allows oncoming nurses to understand the medical needs of their patients and provides a picture of a patient’s recovery or decline within the last several hours. By knowing what has previously occurred in a patient’s treatment plan, nurses can continue to provide care that will result in a positive outcome.

How to use your nurse’s brain to give report to the oncoming nurse

At the end of your nursing shift, you’ll have a short window of time to give a report to the oncoming nurse. During this transfer of responsibility, the oncoming nurse needs to know the most important information about your patients, so it’s your job to give a concise, organized report on each of them. The amount of time you have for each patient's report depends on where you work and the nurse to patient ratio, but it's usually around 5 minutes per patient.

Your Nurse's Brain can function as a nursing handoff report template. If you have kept track of this information using your Nurse’s Brain, it’s easy to quickly transfer the knowledge at shift change.

What to cover in your nurse-to-nurse handoff report

• The patient’s name and age
• The patient’s code status
• Any isolation precautions
• The patient’s admitting diagnosis, including the most relevant parts of their history and other diagnoses
• Important or abnormal findings for all body systems:
• Respiratory: Is the patient on oxygen? If so, how many liters per minute are they getting?
• Cardiovascular: Is the patient on telemetry? Are they on a cardiac drip or heparin drip?
• Neuro: What is the patient’s level of consciousness?
• Musculoskeletal: Is the patient mobile or bed-bound? Can they get up independently or do they require assistance?
• Gastrointestinal & Urinary: Does the patient have any diet restrictions? When was their last bowel movement? Are they incontinent and do they have a catheter in place? What kind of catheter?
• Skin: Does the patient have any wounds or pressure injuries?
• Is the patient diabetic and are blood sugar checks required?
• What kind of IV access does the patient have? Are they getting continuous fluids? If so, which fluid?
• Is the patient on any antibiotics? Are they taking pain medication(s)? If so, when was their last dose?
• Does the patient require certain tests that day? Do they need wound care? Will the patient be discharged during that nurse’s shift?

What not to cover

There is such a thing as too much information. There are some areas you don’t need to give every detail on because they are either not relevant to the admitting diagnosis or something the oncoming nurse can easily look up. Using too much time on one patient will reduce the amount of time you have to give a report on the next patient. In your nurse-to-nurse report, avoid spending inordinate time on:

• The patient’s non-essential comorbidities. Sometimes patients have 30+ comorbidities and it would use all of your 30 minutes to talk about them.
• Every single medication the patient takes. Again, sometimes patients are on a laundry list of medications that the oncoming nurse can and will look up, so stick to the important ones.
• The patient’s specific labs. The oncoming nurse has access to these details if needed.

What if you are the oncoming nurse?

If you are the oncoming nurse, the best way to receive a report is to be punctual and focused. If you are late, it shortens the window of time that the departing nurse can report on patients.

Patient Involvement

There is good evidence that when a patient is involved in their care they experience improvements in safety and quality. Engaging with a patient and their families during a handoff with an oncoming nurse ensures a safe and effective transfer between shifts. It also gives nurses more time with the patients to answer questions and take care of any needs they may have.

Handoff communication in nursing

Giving a focused, efficient report is an important communication skill in nursing. Others will respect the care and organization you put in--which can improve your nursing relationships with coworkers. Giving a good report builds trust, ensures continuity of care, and improves patient safety.

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Full Transcript: Nurse's Brain, Part 4: Giving report to the oncoming nurse

In this video, I am going to share how to give a good report to the oncoming nurse.

As you know, you have a really short amount of time, 30 minutes max to give report for all your patients. And this could be three patients, four patients, five, maybe even more depending on where you work. You're going to have to be really focused and really concise on how you give report to the oncoming nurse.

If you are the oncoming nurse, be sure you get to work on time and be ready to get report at 7:00. I had a couple situations where I worked night shift and the oncoming day shift nurse would roll in around 7:07 A.M and get her coffee and chitchat and she really didn't come to get report until almost 7:15. And it's not really respectful and it really condenses that 30 minutes into a much shorter window to convey a lot of information. Just try to be respectful, get there early, get your lunch put away and just be ready to get that report at 7:00.

When you are giving report, what information is important to convey? Because, again, you only have about five, seven minutes per patient. You want to communicate the patient's name, their age, their date of birth.

You want to talk about their code status because if the patient were to code, right? Like have a cardiac arrest for the oncoming nurse, should they perform CPR or is the patient a DNR patient?

In addition, you want to let the oncoming nurse know if a patient is on contact, airborne or droplet precautions.

In addition, you want to explain the patient's admitting diagnosis and maybe briefly describe their hospital stay and what the status is regarding that admitting diagnosis.

In terms of the comorbidities, I wouldn't go into a lot of detail about those. Some of the patients we get have like 30, 40 comorbidities. If you talk about all of those with the oncoming nurse you're going to be there for the whole 30 minutes on that one patient. If some of those comorbidities are really relevant to the admitting diagnosis, then definitely share that. Otherwise, I wouldn't really go into a lot of detail about that.

Then you want to run down all of the body systems and give the relevant information that you need to give to the oncoming nurse.

So, respiratory. Is the patient on oxygen? If they are, how many liters per minute are they getting?

Cardiovascular; is the patient on telemetry? Are they on a cardiac drip or a heparin drip? That's going to be important information to convey.

Nervous system; what is the patient's level of consciousness? Are they alert and oriented times four or are they confused? Definitely share that information with the nurse.

What about the patient's mobility? Are they bed-bound? Do they have any kind of paralysis? Can they get up independently or do they require assistance? Those are going to be important things to convey.

In addition, gastrointestinal and the urinary system. Let the oncoming nurse know if the patient is incontinent and whether they have a Foley catheter in place or maybe a condom cath or a Purewick. If you know the patient's last bowel movement, that's always really helpful information for the oncoming nurse to know.

Skin; does the patient have any wounds or pressure injuries? Pressure injuries is the current term for a pressure ulcer or a bedsore is what it was called previously. But if the patient has any wounds or pressure injuries, you definitely want to convey that to the oncoming nurse. And if there's any wound care that is required in the coming shift then definitely remind the nurse of that as well.

If your patient is diabetic definitely tell that to the nurse and let her know that blood sugar checks are required.

Then you want to let the oncoming nurse know what kind of IV access the patient has. Is it a peripheral line? Is it a PICC line or a central line? Are they getting continuous IV fluids and if so, what is it? Is it normal saline, 75ml an hour? You want to give all of that information.

In terms of medications, you're not going to run through all of the medications that the patient needs to get. But I would review any antibiotics that the patient's on. In addition, I would also review any pain medications that the patient takes and when you gave the last pain medicine and when they're due for their next dose, if that's appropriate.

And then you want to convey the plan for the next shift. If you're night shift and you're handing off to a day shift nurse, you want to make them aware if the patient's getting any kind of procedures. Like a CT scan or an MRI or if they're having surgery. Definitely want to give the nurse a heads-up about that.

If the patient requires wound care, you want to let them know about that.

If the patient's going to discharge that day or be transferred to a skilled nursing facility, definitely communicate that so that the oncoming nurse knows what the plan is for the patient. And then that's pretty much it.

As far as other details, like specific labs and some of those comorbidities and other medications, the nurse can look up that information. You're really going to focus on those essential things when you are giving report to a nurse.

Hopefully, this video has been helpful. It takes some practice to get really good at report but I know you can do it. If you can, have your Nurse's Brain in front of you to keep track of stuff. But again, don't go through everything. Just focus on those few vital pieces of information that I shared in this video.

If this video's been helpful be sure to like, subscribe, leave your comments here and I look forward to seeing you soon. Thanks so much for watching!

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Thank you, that is very helpful. As a new dayshift nurse I’m having trouble keeping up with all thats going on with my patients and Im embarrassed when I have to give report. Im hoping a check list may help.

You are a blessing! This is my first time working in a hospital as a nurse and I have had already 6 to 7 preceptors and of course one nurse will say one thing the other nurse will say something different and I don’t really learn best that way. I started following one RN at my request and she has taught me so much however, she goes into every single detail to include things that you included are too much information and she has overloaded my brain and today I left my shift thinking “you know what…maybe this is not for me..” but then I decided to give it one more shot and look online and I came across your website. I feel that reading your Instructions and watching your video will make me a much better nurse at reporting to the next nurse…. thank you so much Cathy you are indeed a Godsend!

I appreciate you for this information. I’m a new nurse and observing other nurses give report makes me look so stupid. I will follow these steps and better myself.

Thank you. Your videos are so helpful.

Great video. Thank you

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Nurse Brain: Creating Your Nursing Report Sheet

Organizing patient information and managing care during a shift can be a challenging task for nurses. Enter the nursing report sheet: an indispensable tool that streamlines patient care and helps nurses stay organized.

Organizing patient information and managing care during a shift can be a challenging task for nurses. Enter the nursing report sheet: an indispensable tool that streamlines patient care and helps nurses stay organized. In this blog post, we’ll uncover the anatomy of a nursing report sheet (sometimes called a "brain sheet" or "nurse brain"), explain how to create and customize your own, and delve into specialized report sheets for various nursing roles. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how these simple notes can enhance patient safety and improve overall nursing practice.

Key Takeaways

• Nursing report sheets provide an organized and systematic approach to facilitate patient progress tracking, collaboration between healthcare providers, and enhanced patient safety.
• Customizing a nursing report sheet can help streamline documentation processes, manage time, and improve patient care.
• Adhering to hospital protocols ensures that nursing report sheets are in line with HIPAA and the standards of the healthcare facility for optimal results.

Demystifying the Nursing Report Sheet

Nursing report sheets serve as vital tools for nurses, aiding in the effective organization and management of patient care. They help nurses stay organized during their shift by providing a structured format to record patient information, medical history, and tasks to be completed during the shift. Many report sheets use the SBAR format to organize information. This also makes it easy to give a concise report at shift change, or when contacting a doctor.

Nursing school students must learn how to craft their report sheet in a way that makes sense for them, while including all the pertinent information needed to effectively and safely complete their patient care tasks.

Employing a nursing report sheet offers benefits such as improved organization and efficiency in monitoring patient care.

Crafting the Ultimate Nurse Brain Sheet

Developing a nurse brain sheet, a resource for capturing and organizing crucial patient data, assists both nursing students and seasoned nurses in maintaining organization and focus on patient care. By developing your own brain sheet, you can ensure that all important information is at your fingertips, making it easier to track patient progress, communicate with other healthcare providers, and prioritize tasks during your shift.

For Student Nurses: Building a Brain Sheet from Scratch

For nursing students, constructing a brain sheet from scratch can be a valuable learning experience, as it helps reinforce patient safety and organization. Begin by keeping it simple and determining the sections you need, such as:

• Patient history
• Medications
• Vital signs
• Body systems status

Customize the layout, include relevant details, and regularly update and refine your brain sheet to suit your individual workflow and preferences. Of course, the best way to develop one is to see what works for other nurses and adapt it to your needs.

Some nurses like a horizontal layout, like the one shown here and some like it vertical, like the nursing.com sheet shown below. Some prefer a 4-square design like the title image. The choice depends on personal preference, but also, how the sheet is folded to fit in the nurse's scrub pocket! Some like to fold the sheet so only certain information shows, or so only one patient shows at a time.

Although common practice among nurses and nursing assistants, be careful about keeping it in your pocket. If you happen to be toting a pen, Saline flushes, IV port caps, and your phone, it can be easy to "lose your brain", meaning you not only lose your chart review info, but also your organization for the rest of your shift. Not to mention, it can also pose a risk of HIPAA violation if it should fall into the wrong hands.

Some nurses use a folding clipboard to keep better track of their brain and maintain the privacy of the information.

Time Management

One skill all nurses must learn to master is time management. Utilizing a report sheet can help you plan your shift. Some report sheets have a timeline on them to indicate when specific medications are due, and to plan specific treatments or tasks, such as wound care, catheter changes, bladder scans, or blood draws.

Having a good timeline on your report sheet will prevent you from reaching the end of your shift and suddenly realizing you did not complete a task. If you do, you must either stay late to complete it or pass the task on to the next shift, which should only be done sparingly, out of respect for your fellow nurses.

Tracking Lab Values

Nurses brain sheets use a universal diagram to organize lab values. It is often referred to as a "fishbone". There are a few different fishbone diagrams that include various sets of lab values from a CBC, BMP, ABG, etc. Most nurses will only need one or two of the main diagrams, such as CBC and BMP, but ICU nurses or cardiac nurses might need to use the ABG, Renal, or other diagrams.

Specialized Report Sheets for Diverse Nursing Roles

Report sheets designed for specific nursing roles, like cardiac care or ICU nursing, ensure comprehensive capture and effective organization of all pertinent information. These sheets are utilized by nurses to record relevant patient information and ensure continuity of care, making them an essential tool for various nursing specialties.

Cardiac Care Focus: The Heart of the Matter

Cardiac care-focused report sheets can dedicate spaces for cardiac information. This may include EKG readings, medication schedules, and post-procedure care details. By incorporating this vital information, cardiac nurses can provide more precise and comprehensive care to their patients through effective care plans, ensuring that the unique needs of those with heart conditions are addressed effectively.

The Critical Intensity of ICU Nurse Report Sheets

ICU nurse report sheets often contain more detailed information to help manage the critical needs of ICU patients. These report sheets include pertinent patient information such as:

• Demographics
• Medical history
• Current medications
• IV and titration settings
• Oxygenation status
• Fluid balance
• Laboratory results
• Ventilator settings (if applicable)
• Ongoing treatments or procedures
• Changes in the patient’s condition
• Nursing interventions and assessments
• Any noteworthy notes or concerns.

Free Downloads: A Treasure Trove of Nursing Report Sheet Templates

Numerous nursing report sheet templates are accessible for download from Nursing.com, enabling nurses to identify the ideal fit for their requirements. By exploring different templates and selecting one that best meets your requirements, you can ensure that your report sheet is tailored to your personal preferences and the specific needs of your patients.

There are report sheets available for purchase from Etsy, Amazon, and other sites, for a nominal fee. If you are a little bit computer savvy, and with the help of Canva or another design tool, you should be able to use examples as a guide to customize your own.

Nurse Report Sheet Notebook

by Fairy Nursing

Compliance with Hospital Protocols

Some hospitals have their own report sheets you can use during your shift, but if you have your own, you will always have exactly what you need, in the format that works for you. Be sure to follow HIPAA regulations with your brain sheet, keeping it in your possession, and never leaving it laying face-up where visitors or other patients can see. I would suggest trying out these folding clipboards as a way to keep track of your paper and protect sensitive information.

Also, don't take your work home with you! Always shred your brain or otherwise dispose of it per facility protocols at the end of your shift, before you leave.

Ensure that your report sheet complies with hospital protocols to maintain consistency and efficiency. By adhering to established policies and procedures, you can guarantee that your nursing report sheet is in line with the expectations and standards of your healthcare facility, ultimately providing top-quality patient care.

In conclusion, nursing report sheets are essential tools for organizing patient information and managing care during a shift. By understanding the anatomy of a report sheet, creating and customizing your own, and adapting to hospital policies and technology, you can enhance patient safety, improve communication, and streamline your nursing practice. So, take control of your nursing report sheet game and ensure the best possible care for your patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a nursing report sheet.

A nursing report sheet provide nurses with an organized system for tracking and managing patient care, allowing them to stay on top of their shift.

How can I customize my nursing report sheet for maximum efficiency?

Customize your nursing report sheet for maximum efficiency by considering the size, format, and content that best meets your needs and those of your patients.

What is the importance of accurate report sheets for patient safety?

Accurate report sheets are essential for patient safety, as they provide the relevant information required to ensure healthcare providers have the necessary details to deliver proper and safe care.

How often should nursing report sheets be reviewed and updated?

Nursing report sheets should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure accuracy in patient care.

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The Ultimate Guide to Creating Effective Nurse Report Sheets

As a nurse, you know that report sheets are a crucial tool for ensuring accurate, efficient, and effective communication between healthcare professionals. It can be quite embarrassing when a colleague comes up to ask you about your patient and you don't know the answer. This is why an effective nurse report sheet can be a life saver. But with so many different formats and styles out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start when creating your own. That's where this ultimate guide comes in. In this comprehensive resource, you'll learn everything you need to know about creating a nurse report sheet that works for you. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a new nurse just starting out, you'll find valuable insights, practical advice, and actionable strategies to help you streamline your shift workflow. We even provide our #1 pick to maximizing your Nurse Brain Report sheet. So let's go!

Importance of a well-designed Nurse Report Sheet

Nurse report sheets are essential for the smooth running of a healthcare facility. A well-designed nurse report sheet can help nurses to provide safe and efficient care to their patients. A nurse report sheet can help to:

- Provide a clear and concise summary of important patient information

- Enhance communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals

- Promote continuity of care and prevent errors

- Improve patient outcomes

- Save time and increase efficiency

It is crucial to have a nurse report sheet that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. A poorly designed nurse report sheet can lead to confusion, delays, and errors, and can ultimately compromise patient safety.

Elements of an effective Nurse Report Sheet

A nurse report sheet should include all the relevant information about a patient that is necessary for the provision of safe and effective care. The following are some of the elements that should be included in an effective nurse report sheet:

- Patient demographics: This includes the patient's name, age, gender, and medical record number.

- Medical history and diagnosis: This includes the patient's medical history, diagnosis, ALLERGIES, and any co-morbidities.

- Medications and treatments: This includes the patient's current medications, dosage, and frequency of administration, as well as any treatments such as therapies or procedures.

- Vital signs and monitoring: This includes the patient's vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, saturations, and temperature, as well as any monitoring parameters such as fluid balance or oxygen therapy. Creating time slots for VS monitoring can also be effective.

- Nursing assessments: This includes the nurse's assessment of the patient's physical, emotional, and psychological status, as well as any changes in their condition.

- Care plan: This includes the nurse's plan for the patient's care, including any interventions, goals, and outcomes.

Tips for creating a Nurse Report Sheet

Creating an effective nurse report sheet requires careful planning and consideration. The following are some tips for creating a nurse report sheet that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences:

- Start with a template: There are many nurse report sheet templates available online that you can use as a starting point. Or you can also check out   RekMed's double sided notepad that is made for a patient to nurse ratio of 4:1 or an ER/ICU critical care patient to nurse ratio of 2:1   . They also have a   digital version as well that you can find here   . Choose a template that suits your needs and preferences, and customize it to include all the information that is relevant to your patients.

- Keep it simple: A nurse report sheet should be clear and concise. Avoid including unnecessary information that can lead to confusion or errors.

- Use headings and subheadings: Organize your nurse report sheet into sections using headings and subheadings such as "Neuro, Gastro, etc". This makes it easier to read and navigate, and can help to prevent errors.

- Use abbreviations and symbols: Use common abbreviations and symbols to save time and space.

- Test and improve: Test your nurse report sheet in practice, and solicit feedback from other healthcare professionals. Use this feedback to improve your nurse report sheet and make it more effective.

Again, we recommend RekMed's nurse brain report notepads because they have been tested by over +5,000 nurses with a 5-star review!

Best practices for filling out a Nurse Report Sheet

Once you have created an effective nurse report sheet, it is important to fill it out correctly and consistently. The following are some best practices for filling out a nurse report sheet:

- Use black ink or a   4 colored click pen   : Use black ink or your colors to fill out the nurse report sheet. This makes it easier to read and scan. But keep it consistent shift to shift!

- Be accurate and concise: Ensure that the information you include in the nurse report sheet is accurate and concise. Avoid using subjective language or opinion.

- Use legible handwriting: Ensure that your handwriting is legible and easy to read. If your patient crashes, you don't want to be wondering what you wrote when you area giving report in a hurry.

- Update the nurse report sheet regularly: Ensure that the nurse report sheet is updated regularly to reflect any changes in the patient's condition or care plan.

Nurse Report Sheet templates

There are many nurse report sheet templates available online that you can use as a starting point. We highly recommend the best selling   Nurse Brain Report notepads by RekMed.   Three notepads will give you an entire year worth of report sheets, and they are tear off so you only take a sheet or two at a time to work and you don't need to take the whole notepad. Or keep the notepad in your locker and tear it off as you go. This saves space in your pockets, and your backpack.

Nurse report sheets are an essential tool for nurses to communicate important patient information to other healthcare professionals. A well-designed nurse report sheet can help to enhance communication and collaboration, promote continuity of care, and improve patient outcomes. By following the tips, best practices, and examples outlined in this ultimate guide, you can create an effective nurse report sheet that works for you. Don't forget to test and improve your nurse report sheet regularly. With an effective nurse report sheet, you can provide safe, high-quality care to your patients and enhance your professional practice as a nurse.

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Reusable Nursing Report Sheets

Our nursing report sheets are designed by experienced nurse educators and informaticians with advanced degrees, using the SBAR framework to enhance patient handovers and reduce errors. They’re easy to use and information exchange is a breeze with PDF or QR-code options. Plus, entered information is automatically organized into progress notes and care plans, saving nurses a lot of time.

Multiple Speciality Nursing Report Sheets Included

Student Nurse Report Sheet

This student nurse report sheet is the perfect tool for nursing school students going through clinical rotations. Patient information is neatly organized using the Nursing Process ( ADPIE ) with fields for pathophysiology and nursing implications.

General Nurse Report Sheet

This general all-purpose nurse report sheet captures the most common information nurses need to know about their patients. Very simple with no buttons, checkboxes or drop down menus, it’s ideal for nurses that prefer a minimal interface.

Med Surg / Tele Nurse Report Sheet

This medical surgical / telemetry nurse report sheet is tailor made for nurses working in medsurg and tele floors. Featuring a mix of free-text areas and selectable chips and buttons, it’s great for quickly entering information on the go.

Adult ICU Nurse Report Sheet

This adult ICU nurse report sheet is custom made for nurses working in intensive care units. It’s very detailed and gives ICU nurses the ability to capture the complexity and nuances of their critical care patients with ease. Unique fields include RASS, ventilator, continuous dialysis and more.

Pediatric Nurse Report Sheet

This pediatric nurse report sheet is tailor made for nurses caring for children. Featuring our signature mix of free-text areas and selectable chips and buttons, it’s perfect for quickly jotting down important information while on the move.

Antepartum Nurse Report Sheet

This antepartum nurse report sheet is custom made for nurses caring patients preparing to give birth. In addition to quick entry chips & buttons, unique fields include fetal monitoring, gestational age and GBS status.

Mother & Baby Nurse Report Sheet

This postpartum or mother & baby nurse report sheet is built specifically for nurses caring for patients that have just given birth and their newborns. This detailed 2-patient nurse report sheet has specific fields designed for both the parent and baby.

Psychiatric Nurse Report Sheet

This psychiatric nurse report sheet is perfect for nurses caring for psych patients. It includes our signature mix of free-text areas, selectable chips and buttons, dropdown menus and unique fields designed specifically for the psychiatric patient population.

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Organize all your patient info and tasks, monitor your wellbeing and boost your confidence with our free Nurse Approved workflow app!

Feeling Overwhelmed? Check-Out The Best Nurse Report Sheets

What’s a Nurse Report Sheet or a Nurse Brain?

A nurse report sheet is a printable template pdf (or even just a scrap of paper) that oncoming nurses can use to jot down and organize important patient information at change-of-shift. 

It serves as a way to communicate need to know information about your next patient assignment to help facilitate continuity of care and to allow the next nurse to hit the ground running.

You can always peruse the chart after a quick patient assessment.

The report sheet typically includes sections for vital sign trends, IV medications, peripheral access, lab results, relevant medical history, as well as any noteworthy changes in the patient’s status.  It allows nurses to easily track and monitor their patients’ progress, while also providing a reference for important details that need to be shared with other healthcare professionals.

Don’t you love coming on shift and the doctors or family want updates before you’ve had a chance to assess your patient? 

This is where a report template comes in handy. It’s a great visual reminder to ensure you’ve asked all of the right follow up questions so you feel prepared at the start of your shift. By having a standardized report sheet, registered nurses can organize and prioritize patient care effectively, ensuring the delivery of safe and high-quality healthcare services. 

Benefits of a Nurse Brain Report 

• Keep track of your patient assignment in an organized way
• Provide quick access to patient needs, important information, and care plan without opening the chart
• Great to plan shift and to-do list especially when caring for multiple patients  – Was it Taylor Swift or Benjamin Franklin that said, “If you fail to plan, you fail to plan” 
• Helps new nurses improve their assessment and hand off skills
• Also great for experienced nurses transitioning to a new field of nursing
• Reduced stress from knowing how to prioritize your shift
• Enhanced patient safety and outcomes
• Increased efficiency and time management

Tips for RN Report Sheets

• Ensure you leave off important PHI — if you accidentally lose this sheet of paper, you don’t want to be responsible for violating HIPAA. 
• Leave room for notes!
• How many patients do you typically care for? 3 patients…5 patients? 
• What’s your speciality? Neuro, critical care, med surg, telemetry, or cardiac nursing? Maybe something else altogether?
• Standardization and consistency
• User-friendly layout and organization
• Prioritize information and identify critical details
• Maintain accuracy and update information regularly
• Utilize color-coding or visual cues for quick reference
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals for input and feedback

My Favorite Nurse Brain Reports

Icu nurse report sheet / icu brain.

Click Here to Purchase ICU Brain PDF

MedSurg Nurse Report Sheet Template – Great for Student Nurses!

Click Here to Purchase for Med Surg PDF

6 Patient Template

Click Here to Purchase the 6 Patient Report PDF

3 Patient Template

Click Here to Purchase the 3 Patient Template PDF

SBAR Nursing Handoff / SBAR Nurse Report Sheet

Click Here to Purchase SBAR 1:1 Patient Template

Emergency Department

Click Here to Purchase ER Nurse Brain Report

Pediatrics Report Template

Click Here to Purchase Pediatric Nurse Brain Sheet

NICU RN Report Sheet

Click Here to Purchase NICU Brain Sheet

Postpartum Nursing

Click Here to Purchase Mom/Baby Report Sheet

Hi. I’m Nurse Carlin. I’ve been a Registered Nurse for over a decade. Despite the many challenges of this profession, I still feel as passionate about nursing as I did in the beginning.

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Nurse Report Sheet: Free

Gather necessary materials (pen, report sheet, etc.), review the patient census for the shift, write down the patient's basic information (name, age, diagnosis, etc.), record physicians responsible for each patient, jot down the current medical orders for the patients, write down relevant laboratory values, document the patient's current medications, log any allergies the patient has, note the patient's dietary restrictions or requirements, record the patient's physical assessment findings, track any pending labs or diagnostics, note the patient's activity level and mobility status.

• 1 Bedridden
• 3 Independent

Write down the patient's plan of care and goals for the shift

Document any family or social issues to be aware of, jot down the patient's pain level or any other discomforts, log any discharge planning information necessary, record the next scheduled rounds for the patient, approval: charge nurse review.

• Gather necessary materials (pen, report sheet, etc.) Will be submitted
• Review the patient census for the shift Will be submitted
• Write down the patient's basic information (name, age, diagnosis, etc.) Will be submitted
• Record physicians responsible for each patient Will be submitted
• Jot down the current medical orders for the patients Will be submitted
• Write down relevant laboratory values Will be submitted
• Document the patient's current medications Will be submitted
• Log any allergies the patient has Will be submitted
• Note the patient's dietary restrictions or requirements Will be submitted
• Record the patient's physical assessment findings Will be submitted
• Track any pending labs or diagnostics Will be submitted
• Note the patient's activity level and mobility status Will be submitted
• Write down the patient's plan of care and goals for the shift Will be submitted
• Document any family or social issues to be aware of Will be submitted
• Jot down the patient's pain level or any other discomforts Will be submitted
• Log any discharge planning information necessary Will be submitted
• Record the next scheduled rounds for the patient Will be submitted

Take control of your workflows today.

More templates like this.

Ultimate Nursing Report Sheet Database & Free Downloads

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33 Nursing Report and Brain Sheet Templates

I get it . . .

I was there once too.

Notes on my hands, on alcohol swabs, on scraps of paper, and a few scribbled on the gloves I was wearing.

Staying organized as a nurse is no joke.

"After about 6 months working on the floor as a nurse, I finally had MY method. I'd found a nursing report sheet (brain sheet) that worked for ME."

It was like the entire world had changed!!

 I didn’t feel like . . . this . . .

I was actually getting some work done!

You Need a Nursing Brain Sheet That Works for YOU

For the longest time, I have tried pushing the brain sheet that worked for me onto new students and newbie nurses.  I’ve changed my tone.

About a month ago we sent out a signal on social media. Asking for nurses and nursing students to send us the report sheet or brain sheet that they were currently using so that we could compile a database of the BEST nurse brain sheets.

 The Nursing Brain Sheet Database

The response was AMAZING (to say the least).  We received over 100 report sheet templates from nurses working in MedSurg, ICU, ED, OB, Peds, Tele . . . you name it.

We’ve spent the last two months combing through all the submissions and have narrowed it down to the top 33.  It turned out pretty awesome and provides the BEST resource and collection available of templates for report sheets and brainsheets for nearly any specialty. . . did  I mention it’s FREE?

I will give you a preview of each one.

Here it is! 

Wondering What’s Inside?

Want a sneak peek at some of the best brainsheets we received?  No problem.  Let’s take a sneak peek at all of them and talk about why we chose to include them in our list of the best nursing report sheet templates.

The images below are just small glimpses of the actual pages.  To get the full FREE database . . . just click here.

I’m going to show you examples of 20 of the 33 nursing brain sheets that are included in the database.

1. Handoff and Nursing Report Sheet

This is the report sheet that my preceptor used to make me fill out prior to the end of each shift as a newbie.  To be honest, at first, I was so annoyed that I had to spend like an hour at the end of each shift filling this out.  It wasn’t until I realized I was able to give a badass report that I was finally grateful she made me fill this out.

What I like most about this sheet is that it breaks down each body system and makes you really think about what is going on with your patient . . . from head to toe.

2. Ultimate Clinical Brainsheet

This is a custom one that I made for myself while in nursing school.

I think it outlines nearly everything a nursing student should be thinking about during a clinical day . . . including an area to write notes about things you want to look up later and learn more about.

3. 4 Patient Simple Tele Sheet

This sheet is perfect for those who like things simple. With a bit of guidance, it becomes a handy tool for MedSurg and Tele nurses who are often on the move. In the fast-paced world of MedSurg and Tele nursing, time is precious.

Nurses and nursing students need quick access to important information for efficient patient care, and this sheet does just that. It makes managing patient data and tasks easier, helping nurses and nursing students stay organized and responsive in busy clinical settings.

For nurses and nursing students in these fields, this sheet is a valuable resource that simplifies daily tasks and improves the quality of care they provide.

  Everything You Need To Know About Nursing Time Management

4. 4 Patient Simple Nurse Task Sheet

I love this one.  At first glance it looks basic . . . but at closer inspection, you start to see all the details and information you have available with it.  From lab values to foley care, to last pain med, this would be a great one for a nurse that has a flow and just wants a simple push to stay a bit more organized.

It's a great tool to simplify your daily nursing tasks and keep things running smoothly.

5. Vertical Nurse Brain sheet with Assessment Diagram

I’m a visual learner.  This one just grabs my attention.  I like the top section for the “essentials” like blood sugars, DX, and Pt info.  I also really like the area below the charts to draw little notes about your physical assessment. I really like this nursing brain sheet for beginner or experienced nurses.

It can be helpful to SEE what sort of findings you came up with during your initial assessment.

6. Just the Boxes

I’ll be honest . . . after a couple of years of being a nurse, my “brainsheet” has evolved into more of a few freehand drawings on a sheet of paper.  If that sounds like you, this is probably the one for you.  With little more than a few suggestions . . . this is a pretty basic organizer for nurses.

In the fast-paced world of nursing, nurses often face a complex array of tasks and information. This "brainsheet" becomes a lifeline, helping us navigate patient care with precision.

7. Postpartum Nursing Brain Sheet

My experience with postpartum nursing is limited to the birth of my two kids and a few shifts on the OB floor as a nursing student . . . and I’d like to keep it that way.

Despite my limited experience, this sheet looks pretty bitchin’ . . .you have to admit.  With places for mommy and baby assessment, this one seems to have it all!

8. 8 Patient MedSurg Nurse Report/Brain Sheet

Until patient ratios finally become mandated . . . fingers crossed . . . we just need to face the truth that some of our MedSurg brother and sister will be taking 8 patients.

Even if that isn’t your reality, this is still (maybe) my favorite.

I like the layout.  I like the space for 3 sets of vitals per patient.  I like the space for notes, meds, assessments, and more.  This one really packs a lot of information into such a small little space.

You might also want to take a listen to this podcast episode about staying organized in clinical.

9. Mom-Baby Brainsheet

As mentioned earlier, not being an OB nurse I’m not sure I can fully appreciate everything that is on this page . . . but I must admit it does seem impressive.

To give you a glimpse, I've included a compact screenshot of this page.  It's evident that this brain sheet holds substantial potential for OB nursing clinicals, and I'm excited to witness the positive impact it can have for you!

10. Detailed ICU Nurse Report Sheet

Alrighty!  Now we’re speaking my language.  What you will notice about a lot of the ICU sheets included in the database is that they are full sheets dedicated to just one patient.

When you work ICU a lot of times you only have two patients . . . sometimes even just one.

But you are expected to know EVERYTHING about that patient so you need to have an organized way of keeping track of all of that information.  This nursing report sheet does a pretty good job of outlining the information an ICU nurse needs to know.

Here’s a snapshot:

11. Charge Nurse Report Sheet

Yep.  Even charge nurses have to take report.

In fact, when I was working as charge nurse of our 34-bed ICU I would arrive about an hour ahead of all the staff nurses to take a detailed bedside report of EVERY.SINGLE.PATIENT.

It was a lot to keep track of during a 12-hour shift.

A report sheet like this does a great job of giving the charge nurse a few boxes to check . . . of just the important stuff (vent, isolation, foley).

12. 5 Patient Vertical Brainsheet

Every now and then I will post a pic of a typical IV pole for an ICU patient.  People will say “I could never do that” or “looks too busy” . . .here is my response.  I would rather have 1 or 2 patients that I am in charge of and trying to keep track of than ever try to keep 5 or more patients straight.

Respect to the MedSurg nurses out there . . .

Just looking at this nursing report sheet makes me scared!

13.  ICU Body System Report Brainsheet

Here is another great ICU sheet with an entire page dedicated to just one patient.

Are you starting to see the difference between the different floors?

Being a nurse means something slightly different on any given floor.  We all have the same goal, the same passion for caring, and helping, but it takes a different breed to work on each and every floor.

14. Boxes, Boxes, Boxes Nursing Report Sheet

Do you love neat, clean, tidy spaces?

This might be the one for you.

One thing that this one has that the other does not have is a place for a “password”.  Often times in ICU settings families will request that no information be given to anyone that doesn’t have a “family password”.

I like that this is included on the sheet because many times you will forget as the shift goes on that you need to ask for the password when someone calls.  Having it right in from of your face all shift seems like a good way to avoid that mistake.

15. Hourly Brain Sheet for Nurses

This one is cool because it focuses on dividing your shift up into hours.

I think this does a couple of things: it helps you to stay organized and it kinda helps the time go by faster.

Also, if you look closely it already has the hours written for day and night shifts. . . nice touch.  You will give an amazing nursing report with this sheet.

16. Cardiac Brainsheet

If you work on a cardiac or post-catheterization procedural floor, this sheet is made just for you. It's a specialized tool designed specifically for cardiac nurses. It includes helpful reminders and dedicated spaces for cardiac-specific information like EKG readings, medication schedules, and post-procedure care details.

This sheet streamlines your work and helps you provide excellent care to cardiac patients. It's like a reliable friend accompanying you on your journey in the field of cardiac nursing.

17. Emergency Department Patient Care Sheet

Emergency nursing is high volume/high turnover.

You might only have a patient for a few minutes.  Or you might have the patient for the entire shift.

Many ED nurses find it hard to have any sort of report sheet because they are focused primarily on the life-saving procedures before sending the patient upstairs.

As you can see . . .this sheet focuses on the ESSENTIALS . . . nothing extra.

18. Nursing Rounds Report Sheet

If you work in a tertiary care facility one of the most important parts of your job is figuring out how to best help the patient progress from the hospital.

Many hospitals have interdisciplinary rounds on a daily basis where patient needs are discussed with the entire team (MDs, nurses, PT, OT, Speech . . . etc).

This is a wonderful sheet that will help you to think in a team model and how your care fits into the entire plan.

19. Neuro ICU Brain Sheet

You know I couldn’t make a nursing brainsheet database without including a special one from the Neuro ICU (my home).

If you are a neuro nurse or an aspiring neuro nurse . . . this is a great template to start with as it helps you to focus your assessment and care around the neurological system.

20. Whitespace Nursing Assessment Sheet

Having plenty of space for notes is one thing that many nurses want in a great report sheet.  This one focuses on note-taking space and keeps all the assessment information on the outer edges.

If you are a note-taker. . . this is the one for you!

But Wait . . . There’s More

I’ve always wanted to say that.

But seriously . . . I’ve only shown you small portions of 20 of the 33 nursing brainsheets included in our massive database.

Download the entire FREE library of nurse report sheet templates and pick out the one that works best for you.

Try them all out . . . shoot switch it up and find what really works and helps YOU.

Feel free to download, print, make copies, and share the database.

Oh . . . and a HUGE thank you to all those who submitted their brainsheets to the database.

Download All 33 Brainsheet Templates

To download all of the templates in PDF format just click on the button below.  Once you’ve downloaded them please consider sharing this page with a friend:

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Medical Surgical Nurse Report Sheet with Hourly To-Do List - 2 or 4 Patients

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Instant download PDF file

The perfect  nurse report sheet for nursing students and nurses. This minimalistic brain sheet contains all pertinent patient info you need during clinical or  shift  report .  An effective nurse report sheet is key to staying organized and efficient! This nurse report sheet i ncludes a medication section to organize each patient's meds. 4-patient report sheet by printing back-to-back.

Includes an hourly to-do list template to further organize your day, keep track of meds, treatments, vitals, assessments & notes, all necessary info for handoff.

Hourly Schedule Includes:

• AM Shift 0700-1900
• PM Shift 1900-0700
• Military Time Included
• Colors: Pink -Blue Included

PLEASE NOTE:   This is a digital product and NO PHYSICAL ITEM WILL BE SHIPPED. You can instantly download the files and print them at home or at a professional printer. USES:

• For personal use only
• Not for any commercial use
• Can't be resold as is or altered on its own
• You may NOT share, resell or redistribute our products

© 2022 OrganizedNurseDesigns

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As a new nursing student it’s nice to have a guide on how to organize thoughts and processes! Love it!

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Nurse Report Sheet 2 Patients – Narrow Margins

This nursing report sheet will help you stay organized as you care for your patients. This sheet will allow you to take report on two patients per page  and track patient medical history, vital signs, laboratory information, and more.

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This sheet will help you stay organized as you care for your patients. This sheet will allow you to take report on two patients per page  and track patient medical history, vital signs, laboratory information, and more.

This is a digital file and no tangible product will be mailed to you.

Once purchased you will be able to download the PDF of the file  immediately .

As this is a digital file NO refunds are available.

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• You can print at home or bring it to your local office supply print store.
• You have the option of printing in color as well as selecting black and white in your printer settings.
• This item is for personal use only. Cannot be redistributed, resold, shared nor transferred. You may print and copy this as many times as you would like for YOUR personal use.

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Thank you for supporting our small business. We hope that these digital files help keep you organized on your nursing journey.

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Brain Nursing Report Sheet — 2 Patients (Landscape)

This brain nursing report sheet has an SBAR head-to-toe flow. Nurses can fit 2 patients per page with this landscape report sheet. Download now!

• 2 patients per sheet

SBAR/Brain format

Open space for your creative, artistic, note-taking freedom

All systems included

Landscape orientation

• Download includes PDF original & editable Word doc files for full customization