Nursing Shift Handoff
Nursing shift handoffs are at 7 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Nurses will hand off important information about your child’s care inside the room.
What happens during nursing shift handoff?
Shift change is when the nurse finishing their shift will introduce you to the new nurse, and together the nurses will review patient notes and safely transfer the care of your child.
To safely transfer the care of your child the nurses will then talk about your child’s medical history, plan of care and any urgent issues that need attention. They will also test the emergency equipment at the bedside. This bedside report usually takes about 10 minutes.
The nurses use the computer in your child’s room during handoff. Please help us keep the computer cart clear.
Can I ask questions during handoff?
To help us minimize disruptions during the handoff, we ask that you listen and write down any questions on the whiteboard.
Your nurse will be available for questions and to discuss the plan of care once handoff of patients is complete.
What should I do if I hear wrong information?
If you hear any information about your child that is wrong, please stop us and let us know. We want to be as safe as possible with your child’s care.
What if there is information I do not want shared in the room?
Please talk with your nurse. We will be sensitive with any information you do not want shared in front of your child or others in the room.
Can my child have visitors during handoff?
Visitors who are in the room are welcome to stay. We may ask visitors to wait to enter your child’s room until handoff is over to minimize disruptions during handoff. As a parent or caregiver, you may stay with your child at any time.
To Learn More
- Ask your child's healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
