nursing report sheet template

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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Nursing Report Sheet Templates | Free Report Sheets for Nurses

Nursing report sheets are premade templates of paper used by nurses to help them keep track of their patients. A nursing report sheet is started at the beginning of the nurses shift while she/he is getting report from the leaving nurse who is giving them nursing report. This nursing report sheet should not be confused with the SBAR tool which is a tool used as a guide for giving nursing report.

Why Do Nurses Use Nursing Report Sheets?

Nurse report sheets are very handy because they contain tidbits of vital information concerning your patient’s diagnosis, history, allergies, attending doctor,consults, things that need to be done on your shift, medication times, vital signs, lab results etc. The report sheet has other usage as well. Other usages of the nursing report sheet include but are not limited to:

Keeping track of telephone orders received from doctors
Critical Lab values called to you from lab
Helps you keep track of intake and output
Helps you keep track of blood sugars and insulin coverage
Nursing notes to remind yourself of things you need to do for the patient or chart on
Notes to yourself on things you want to remind the next shift

Most nurses who use report sheets consider their report sheet to be their “brain,” and panic when they misplace them. Nurses who use them tend to keep them folded in their scrub pocket or on their clip board for easy access.

Always make sure to get a good report on your patients before starting a new shift. Learn more about questions to ask when getting report .

Video on How to Give Nursing Shift Report

Benefits of a Nursing Report Sheet

Fast access to patient information. If you are asked by a doctor what a particular patient’s INR was you could simply look at your report sheet to find out. You won’t have fumble around and try to remember which patient he/she was talking about.
Helps you keep track of things you need to get done before your shift is over.
Helps you differate between each patient. When you have a 6 to 7 patient load, patient diagnosis and histories can run together and you may get them confused.
Helps you keep your charting more accurate. If you write down on your report sheet things you need to remember to chart, your charting will be more accurate and easier to do. Again with 6 to 7 patients things tend to run together.

Nursing Report Sheets (Templates)

Nursing Report Sheets, Nurse Report Sheet

Remember to always shred your report sheet at the end of your shift. Never take your report sheet home with you!

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May 24, 2015 at 3:26 am

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May 24, 2015 at 4:24 am

I just wanted to thank you personally for this comment. Comments like these are very encouraging and motivating. Thank you again for taking the time to comment these kind words.

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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 Oct 30, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

What is a Nursing Report Sheet?

A Nursing 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 the patient's medical history, current condition, and ongoing care.

These sheets are especially helpful for nursing students or new nurses, as they serve as beneficial education tools. A nurse educator can use them to help students learn how to prioritize important information, communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals, and stay organized during their clinical rotations or job experiences, even in early nursing school.

Nursing Report Sheets Template

Nursing Report Sheets Example

How does it work?

Our printable Nursing Report Sheet PDF 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

The free nurse report sheet template can be downloaded using this page's link or the Carepatron software. It is also available in our extensive resources library where you can have free downloads of other templates.

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 sheets

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 Nurse Report Sheets to provide a patient assessment and care plan. This includes admissions, follow-up visits, post-operative assessments, and other scenarios. This form makes giving report convenient. Moreover, it is particularly used 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, whether by old or new nurses. 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 in a clinic or hospital. 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 vital information about the patient's condition and ongoing care is not missed or misinterpreted.

Enhancing continuity of care

A nurse shift report sheet enables 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

A report sheet for nurses is 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 report sheets for nurses 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 records , care plans , 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.

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 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 relevant test results or laboratory values.

A nurse-to-nurse report sheet is used during shift changes to communicate essential patient information between outgoing and incoming nurses.

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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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Free Printable Nurse Report Sheets

Create your perfect nurse report sheet with our customizable templates available for download in PDF, PNG, and JPG formats. Choose between A4 or US Letter sizes to fit your needs. Enjoy the flexibility to adjust fonts, colors, and text content, ensuring that your report sheet meets your specific requirements. Streamline your documentation process with our user-friendly designs, making it easier to manage patient care. Download your personalized report sheet today and enhance your nursing practice with ease and efficiency.

Free Printable Simple Nurse Report Sheet

What is a Nurse Report Sheet

A nurse report sheet is a tool in healthcare settings, used to summarize patient information and facilitate effective communication among nursing staff during shift changes. It helps ensure that critical details are conveyed, promoting continuity of care and enhancing patient safety.

What to Include on a Nurse Report Sheet

Patient Information : Basic details such as name, age, and medical record number for easy identification.
Diagnosis : The primary medical conditions affecting the patient, providing context for care.
Medications : A list of current medications, including dosages and administration times to ensure proper medication management.
Allergies : Any known allergies to medications or substances, crucial for preventing adverse reactions.
Vital Signs : Recent vital sign readings, offering a snapshot of the patient's current health status.
Nursing Interventions : Documented actions taken by nurses, including treatments and procedures performed.
Special Considerations : Notes on any unique patient needs, such as dietary restrictions or mobility issues.
Family Contacts : Information on family members or guardians, facilitating communication regarding the patient's care.
Plan of Care : Brief outline of ongoing treatments or goals, guiding future nursing actions.

Incorporating these elements into a nurse report sheet enhances communication and ensures that all necessary information is readily available for optimal patient care.

Nursing Report Template

Use this free template with google sheets and microsoft excel.

Nursing Report - free Google Docs Template - 10067790

Efficient and accurate communication is vital in the healthcare setting. Our Nursing Report Template is designed to facilitate comprehensive reporting and ensure seamless transition of care between nursing shifts. This template encompasses essential sections for patient details, shift overview, observations, and critical tasks, enhancing collaboration and continuity of care. Clearly identify the patient for whom the report is being prepared. Provide a brief overview of the patient's medical history and current diagnosis. Also, use a structured and organized format, provided by this tool to ensure all necessary information is captured systematically.

Free Template
Easily change the text, images, and more
Created: January 12, 2024
Author: Natalia Prokhorenko
DPI: 300. Ready to Print at Office/Home
Size: 210 x 297 mm
Free Standard Google fonts
Compatible: Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel
Downloads: 33
Added to collections: 11

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!

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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.

Education: MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans BSN - Villanova University BA- University of Mary Washington

Expertise: Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing

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Nurse Report Sheet Template

Nursing Templates

A Nurse Report Sheet Template is a standardized document that helps nurses organize and document important information about their patients. It includes details such as patient demographics, vital signs, medications, treatments, assessments, and any other important notes for efficient communication and continuity of care.

The nurse typically files the Nurse Report Sheet Template.

Q: What is a nurse report sheet template? A: A nurse report sheet template is a document or form used by nurses to help organize and keep track of patient information during their shift.

Q: Why do nurses use report sheet templates? A: Nurses use report sheet templates to have a systematic and organized way of recording and communicating patient information to ensure accurate and efficient care.

Q: What information is usually included in a nurse report sheet? A: A nurse report sheet typically includes the patient's name, room number, diagnosis, vital signs, medications, treatments, procedures, and any other relevant information pertaining to their care.

Q: Are there different types of nurse report sheet templates? A: Yes, there are different types of nurse report sheet templates available, such as bedside report sheets, shift change report sheets, and ICU report sheets, which may vary in format and content based on the specific needs of the nursing unit or facility.

Download Nurse Report Sheet Template

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