Keywords

communication, handoff, handoff report, nursing students, patient safety, report

 

Authors

  1. Lee, Jamie MSN, RN
  2. Mast, Merle PhD, RN
  3. Humbert, Janelle MSN, RN
  4. Bagnardi, Margaret EdD, RN
  5. Richards, Sharlene PhD

Abstract

When new-graduate nurses enter practice, they are expected to provide clear, effective handoff reports during care transitions. However, few nursing programs offer systematic instruction or opportunities to practice this important form of communication. This article describes a teaching intervention designed to prepare students with handoff skills they will need in practice. Data gathered to evaluate its effectiveness indicated that skill repetition improved student performance and perceived self-efficacy of handoff reporting. Lessons learned and recommendations for incorporating this instruction into nursing curricula are discussed.