Utilizing Handoff Reporting Tools to Improve the Novice Nurse's Workflow

Abstract

The novice nurse is task oriented and requires guidance to recognize connections in clinical practice. Novice nurses must learn to prioritize, organize, and differentiate between information that is “nice-to-know” versus “need-to-know” to deliver competent nursing care. Nursing literature makes evident that utilizing communication frameworks increases the delivery of clear communication and improves patient outcomes. Novice nurses require a comprehensive handoff-reporting tool to prompt the novice to engage in critical thinking and facilitate communication within their practice.