Nursing Report Sheet Templates
Free printable nursing report sheets and brain templates. Organize patient information, streamline shift handoffs, and never miss critical details with our customizable templates.
What is a Nursing Report Sheet?
A nursing report sheet (also called a brain sheet, nurse brain, or patient report sheet) is a personal organizational tool nurses use to track patient information throughout their shift. Unlike formal documentation in the EHR, report sheets are informal working documents that help nurses stay organized.
Every nurse develops their own system, but most report sheets include patient demographics, vital signs, medications, lab values, and tasks to complete. They're essential for safe shift handoffs and ensuring no critical information falls through the cracks.
Why Report Sheets Matter
Types of Nursing Report Sheets
Different nursing units and specialties require different report sheet formats. Find the one that fits your workflow.
Basic Brain Sheet
Simple, single-patient layout ideal for students and new nurses
Patients: 1 patient per page
Best for: Nursing students, new grads, ICU
Multi-Patient Grid
Compact layout for tracking multiple patients at once
Patients: 4-6 patients per page
Best for: Med-surg, Telemetry, Step-down
SBAR Template
Structured format for clear shift handoff communication
Patients: 1-2 patients per page
Best for: Shift handoff, Rapid response, MD calls
ICU Report Sheet
Detailed layout for critical care with hourly documentation
Patients: 1-2 patients per page
Best for: ICU, CCU, NICU, PICU
ER/ED Sheet
Fast-paced layout for emergency department workflow
Patients: 4-8 patients
Best for: Emergency Department
Labor & Delivery
Specialized for OB nursing with fetal monitoring
Patients: 1-2 patients
Best for: L&D, Postpartum
Essential Report Sheet Sections
A well-designed nursing report sheet includes these key sections to ensure complete patient information at your fingertips.
Patient Identification
- Name/Room number
- MRN
- Age/DOB
- Attending physician
- Admission date
- Code status (Full/DNR/DNI)
Clinical Status
- Primary diagnosis
- Secondary diagnoses
- Allergies (with reactions)
- Isolation precautions
- Fall risk/Skin risk
Vital Signs
- BP/HR/RR/Temp/SpO2
- Pain level
- Blood glucose
- Weight (if applicable)
- Trending arrows for changes
Medications
- Scheduled meds with times
- PRN medications given
- IV fluids/rate
- Drip rates (ICU)
- Next due times
Labs & Diagnostics
- AM labs pending
- Critical values
- Scheduled imaging
- Pending consults
- Expected results
Nursing Tasks
- Hourly rounding
- Dressing changes
- Foley care
- Ambulation
- Patient education
- Discharge tasks
Access & Lines
- IV sites/gauge/date
- Central lines
- Foley catheter
- NG tube
- Drains
- O2 delivery method
Shift Notes
- Change of shift updates
- Family concerns
- MD communication
- Social work notes
- Discharge planning
The SBAR Communication Framework
SBAR is the gold standard for nursing communication. Use it for shift handoffs, rapid responses, and physician calls.
Situation
What is happening right now?
Include:
Background
What is the clinical context?
Include:
Assessment
What do you think is happening?
Include:
Recommendation
What do you need?
Include:
Shift Handoff Best Practices
A good report sheet is only as effective as the handoff that uses it. Follow these tips for safer, more efficient shift changes.
Use bedside handoff
Include the patient in the conversation when appropriate. This improves safety and patient satisfaction.
Prioritize safety concerns
Start with the most critical information: code status, allergies, fall risk, and active problems.
Be specific with times
Instead of "gave pain meds," say "gave Norco 5mg at 1400, due again at 1800."
Include pending items
Clearly communicate what's still in progress: pending labs, calls to physicians, family meetings.
Anticipate the next shift
Share what to watch for: "Her BP has been trending down, watch for signs of sepsis."
Allow questions
Pause for clarifying questions. The receiving nurse should feel confident taking over care.
Download Free Nursing Report Sheets
Print-ready HTML templates. Open in browser and print to PDF for your unit's workflow.
Detailed single-patient sheet with vitals, meds, I&O, assessments
Compact multi-patient layout for med-surg, telemetry units
Hourly vitals, vent settings, drips, neuro checks for critical care
Structured SBAR format for shift handoffs and MD calls
Open templates in browser, then use File > Print > Save as PDF to download.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nursing report sheet?
A nursing report sheet (also called a brain sheet or nurse report sheet) is an organizational tool nurses use to track patient information during their shift. It contains key data like vital signs, medications, assessments, and care tasks that need to be completed and communicated during shift handoff.
What should be included on a nursing report sheet?
Essential elements include: patient name/room, diagnosis/reason for admission, code status, allergies, vital signs, current medications with times, IV access/fluids, lab values, scheduled procedures, nursing assessments, and tasks to complete. Many nurses also include space for hourly rounding notes.
What is SBAR in nursing?
SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. It is a standardized communication framework used in healthcare for clear, concise handoffs. SBAR helps nurses quickly convey critical patient information during shift changes, rapid responses, or when calling physicians.
How many patients fit on a nursing report sheet?
Most nursing report sheets are designed for 4-6 patients, which is typical for medical-surgical units. ICU nurses often use sheets for 1-2 patients with more detailed sections. Some nurses prefer single-patient sheets they can stack, while others use multi-patient layouts.
Can nursing report sheets be digital?
Yes, many nurses now use digital report sheets on tablets or smartphones. Digital versions can auto-populate from the EHR, update in real-time, and be shared instantly during handoff. However, many nurses still prefer paper for quick notes during bedside care.
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