Nurse organization is essential for patient safety.
*This post contains affiliate links/Updated from original post on 1/21.
During my first clinical rotations as a nursing student, I was so in awe of how nurses were able to remember so much information. It is hard to explain to a non-medical person how much data nurses have to remember unless you see it or experience it firsthand.
I saw my first nursing brain sheet during my first pediatric ICU rotation. The nurse I was working with was very professional when working with her patients and their families. She seemed very busy but not overly stressed, which was impressive considering the high acuity and age of her patient population.
That was also the first time a nurse explained how to keep a patient’s medical information – using a nurse’s brain sheet – organized in a way that made sense.
These days, hospitals are mostly paperless and use interactive computer systems – such as EPIC – to chart patient information. Computer charting software is essential so that patient’s medical information is in one place. Also, there is less paperwork to get lost, there is no messy handwriting to decipher, and the patient’s information can be shared among all ancillary staff: doctors, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, case managers, etcetera.
But even with substantial technological advances in paperless charting, it is still beneficial for nurses to keep essential information at their fingertips. This is where a nursing report sheet comes to play.
How We Choose The Best Nursing Report Sheets
Choosing the best nursing report sheets can be overwhelming, with so many options available. In choosing these report sheets, we considered several factors, such as whether they were written by nurses, their helpfulness, and online reviews.
We’ve read through many user reviews and star ratings to develop a list that makes your life easier and provides information to help you make a good decision. Choosing the perfect nursing report sheets and notebooks requires some extra considerations to ensure it meets the unique needs of a nurse.
Here Are The Top 5 Best Nursing Report Sheets:
#1. EZ Handoff – Nursing Report Sheets
Why We Love This
- The book contains 80 customizable templates for patient information
- The templates follow the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) format
- The templates include various sections such as Head to Toe Assessment, Vitals, Past Medical History, Labs, and other important clinical information
- It is spiral-bound and has a front and back cover for durability and HIPAA compliance.
- Each patient has one double-sided template that can be filled in and edited as needed.
Additional Info
- The book measures 6″ x 6″ and can fit in most scrub pockets
#2. Nurse Report Sheet Notebook Pocket Notebook for Nurses
Why We Love This
- The package includes 2 nursing report notebooks, each containing 80 pages, providing enough quantity for daily use and replacements.
- The shell of the nursing report sheet is solid, and the report sheet is made of quality cardboard, which is thicker than conventional papers, making it durable and not easy to break or tear.
- The inner pages of the notebook include a variety of comprehensive templates, such as head-to-toe assessments, vital signs, past medical history, labs, and other relevant clinical information, allowing for a fully documented and optimal treatment modality.
- The cover of the notebook features eye-catching and meaningful designs, such as an echometer, hospital bed, and text “Report Made Simple,” making it beautiful and giving you a good mood to work.
Additional Info
- The notebook is convenient to carry, measuring approximately 15.2 x 14.5 cm/ 5.98 x 5.71 inches, making it a proper size to put in your pocket, gown, or bag, saving space for you.
#3. Nursing Brain Sheet Multiple Patient Notebook
Why We Love This
- The package includes two nursing report notebooks, each containing 80 pages, providing enough quantity for daily use and replacements.
- The shell of the nursing report sheet is solid, and the report sheet is made of quality cardboard, which is thicker than conventional paper, making it durable and not easy to break or tear.
- The inner pages of the notebook include a variety of comprehensive templates, such as head-to-toe assessments, vital signs, past medical history, labs, and other relevant clinical information, allowing for a fully documented and optimal treatment modality.
- The cover of the notebook features eye-catching and meaningful designs, such as an echometer, hospital bed, and text “Report Made Simple,” making it beautiful and giving you a good mood to work.
Additional Info
- The notebook is convenient to carry, measuring approximately 15.2 x 14.5 cm/ 5.98 x 5.71 inches, making it a proper size to put in your pocket, gown, or bag.
#4. Nurse Report Sheet Notebook
Why We Love This
- Keep track of your patient’s medical history, vital signs, and lab results with this notebook.
- The notebook is designed to help you stay organized and provide the best possible care for your patients.
- This beautifully designed notebook makes a great gift for ICU nurses, nursing students, recent graduates, RNs, LPNs, public health nurses, hospice workers, and home health care professionals.
- The notebook features background information and one patient per sheet, with frequently-needed info strategically placed at the top of the sheet.
- The notebook also includes a brain sheet to help you stay organized and a head-to-toe assessment section.
Additional Info
- The notebook is perfectly sized at 8.5″ x 11″ (21.59 x 27.94 cm) for portability and practicality.
- It contains 140 pages, providing ample space for notes and patient information.
#5. Nurse Brain Sheet
Why We Love This
- You can obtain an endless supply of Brain Sheets by copying them at work before each shift.
- The provided sheet can fit up to four patients if copied front and back.
- The common report sections are already printed on paper, saving you time when taking and writing down end-of-shift notes.
- This brain sheet was created by experienced nurses and is designed to help you stay organized. It’s suitable not only for new graduates but for all floor nurses.
Additional Info
- You’ll receive three high-quality Master Sheets that will provide you with a clear copy every time.
What is a Nursing Report Sheet?
Nursing report sheets keep nurses organized and patients safe.
A nurse report sheet, also referred to as a nursing brain sheet, is a piece of paper that contains organized information on your patients. The sheets will look different depending on what specialty you work in at the hospital.
Some of the information on a nursing brain sheet includes history, diagnosis, medications, allergies, DNR status, lab values, NPO status, family phone numbers, and any other patient care notes you need to remember during your shift.
Many nurses get used to using a particular nursing report sheet early in their careers – and then they keep using it throughout their entire careers, no matter what specialty they move into. Although different hospital specialties focus on specific patient information, you may want to use one that is specific to your specific patient population.
For example, a neuro nurse who cares primarily for patients with traumatic brain injuries will have a different brain sheet than a cardiac ICU nurse. Each patient population focuses on different organs, lab values, medications, and treatments, and usually has different benchmarks that they strive for during each shift.
Nursing Report Sheet Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a nursing report sheet?
A nursing report sheet typically includes patient information such as their name, room number, and diagnosis. It also includes the patient’s vital signs, medications, and any specific care instructions.
How can I make my own nurse report sheet?
To make your own nursing report sheet, start by determining the key information you need to include such as patient demographics, care instructions, and vital signs. Then, create a template that is easy to use and follow.
How do you write a nursing care report?
When writing a nursing care report, start by reviewing the patient’s medical record and taking note of any changes since your last shift. Include vital signs, medications, and any interventions or care provided. Be sure to document any important information related to the patient’s condition and progress.
Why are nursing report sheets important?
Nursing report sheets are important because they help to ensure that critical patient information is communicated accurately and efficiently between shifts. They also help to keep nurses organized and ensure that all necessary tasks are completed.
What is a brain sheet in nursing?
A brain sheet in nursing is a document that helps nurses keep track of important patient information, such as vital signs, medications, and care instructions. It is typically a template that is customized to meet the needs of the nurse and the patient.
What are nurses’ notes called?
Nurse’s notes are often referred to as progress notes or nursing documentation. These notes are a record of the care provided to the patient and may include vital signs, medication administration, and any changes in the patient’s condition.
What is a nursing assessment sheet?
A nursing assessment sheet is a document used to record a patient’s medical history, vital signs, and any other relevant information related to their health status. It is typically completed by the nurse at the beginning of their shift and helps to guide their care plan for the patient.
What are the best nursing sheets and notebooks?
Here are some final tips to consider when purchasing a nursing report sheet:
Look for a report sheet that is customizable to meet your specific needs and the needs of your patients.
Consider the size and format of the report sheet. A compact, portable option may be best for nurses on the go.
Check for the durability and quality of the paper. A high-quality report sheet will hold up well throughout your shift and provide a clear, readable copy.
Look for report sheets that experienced nurses or healthcare professionals design to ensure they include all the necessary information and are user-friendly.
Consider the cost and the number of sheets you will receive. It may be more cost-effective to purchase a larger quantity of sheets at once.
Finally, be sure to test out the report sheet before committing to a large purchase. This will give you a chance to see if it works well for you and meets your needs.
Nursing Report Sheet Best Advice
So what are the best nursing report sheets? The answer may vary from person to person, but we’ve tried to provide a variety of the best options for you to choose from based on reading thousands of reviews.
All you have to do is just tap the button for more information. Thanks for stopping by!
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- Ultimate Top 30 Nurse Supplies & Essentials: The Complete List
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- What to Wear Under Scrubs
