SBAR Nursing: Examples and Templates
SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is a standardized communication tool used in nursing and healthcare to ensure accurate and efficient information exchange. It is particularly important for nurse-to-nurse handoffs, nurse-to-physician reports, and critical patient updates. SBAR improves patient safety by reducing errors and enhancing clarity in communication.
SBAR stands for:
- S (Situation): The current issue or concern about the patient.
- B (Background): Relevant history or context of the patient’s condition.
- A (Assessment): The nurse’s evaluation of the patient’s status.
- R (Recommendation): Suggested actions or further steps for patient care.
Background on SBAR in Nursing
SBAR was originally developed in military and aviation settings but has been widely adopted in healthcare. It provides a structured format for critical conversations, especially in high-stakes situations where miscommunication could lead to adverse patient outcomes. The tool is now a standard in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and emergency departments to improve team collaboration and patient outcomes.
Types of SBAR Nursing Reports
SBAR is commonly used in the following scenarios:
- Nurse-to-Nurse Handoff: Ensuring smooth transition of care during shift changes.
- Nurse-to-Physician Communication: Updating doctors about patient conditions.
- Emergency Situations: Rapidly conveying critical patient data to ensure timely intervention.
- Interdisciplinary Communication: Used when collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, therapists, and case managers.
- Non-Clinical Applications: Can be used in management, leadership, and administrative tasks to provide structured communication.
SBAR Nursing Communication Examples
Example 1: Nurse-to-Nurse Handoff
Situation:
“This is Nurse Sarah from the night shift. I am reporting on Mr. John Smith, a 70-year-old post-op patient who had hip replacement surgery yesterday. He is stable but experiencing moderate pain.”
Background:
“Mr. Smith has a history of hypertension and osteoarthritis. His vitals have been stable, and he is currently on IV fluids and pain management.”
Assessment:
“Pain level is 6/10, and he has limited mobility. His BP is 130/80, HR 85, and temperature 98.4°F. He has been tolerating clear liquids well.”
Recommendation:
“Continue with the pain management plan and encourage mobility as tolerated. Monitor for signs of deep vein thrombosis or infection.”
Example 2: Nurse-to-Physician SBAR Report
Situation:
“Dr. Adams, this is Nurse Alex from the ICU. I am calling about Mrs. Jane Doe, a 65-year-old patient who is showing signs of respiratory distress.”
Background:
“She was admitted three days ago with pneumonia and has a history of COPD. She has been on IV antibiotics and oxygen therapy.”
Assessment:
“She is now dyspneic, respiratory rate has increased to 30/min, and oxygen saturation has dropped to 86% despite being on 3L nasal cannula.”
Recommendation:
“I recommend increasing her oxygen support, obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG), and evaluating her for potential transfer to a higher level of care. Should I call for a respiratory team consult?”
SBAR Nursing Examples for Nursing Students
For nursing students, SBAR is a crucial skill to practice in clinical settings. Below is an example tailored for student training:
Scenario: A Change in Patient Condition
Situation:
“Mrs. Emily Green, a 78-year-old patient with a history of diabetes, has a blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL despite insulin therapy.”
Background:
“She was admitted for wound care and has been on regular insulin with meal coverage. Her blood glucose was 180 mg/dL in the morning.”
Assessment:
“She is alert but slightly fatigued. No signs of infection or ketoacidosis. Vitals are stable.”
Recommendation:
“Should we adjust the insulin dosage or consider additional interventions? Would you like me to check ketone levels or repeat a glucose test in an hour?”
SBAR Non-Clinical Examples in Nursing
SBAR can also be applied in non-clinical nursing scenarios such as quality improvement, staff management, and patient safety reporting.
Scenario: Nurse Manager Reporting a Staffing Concern
Situation: “Our unit has been experiencing an increased patient-to-nurse ratio, which is affecting patient care quality.”
Background: “We currently have five nurses covering 32 patients, which exceeds the recommended staffing guidelines. Over the past week, staff have reported feeling overwhelmed, and response times to call lights have increased.”
Assessment: “This situation poses a risk to patient safety, including delayed medication administration and reduced patient monitoring.”
Recommendation: “I suggest hiring temporary float nurses or redistributing patient assignments to maintain safe care levels.”
RN SBAR Nursing Format
What is RN SBAR?
RN SBAR refers to the structured communication method used by Registered Nurses (RNs) to ensure clear and accurate patient information transfer during shift handoffs, updates to physicians, emergency situations, and interdisciplinary collaboration. It plays a crucial role in patient safety, continuity of care, and reducing medical errors.
RN SBAR Nursing Format
The SBAR nursing format is a standardized structure used by nurses to relay essential patient information in a concise and systematic manner. It ensures that critical data is not missed and that communication between healthcare providers is efficient.
SBAR Nursing Structure for RN Communication
| Section | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| S – Situation | Clearly state the patient’s current condition or problem. | “Mr. Johnson, a 72-year-old male, is experiencing sudden shortness of breath and chest pain.” |
| B – Background | Provide relevant medical history, diagnosis, and treatment. | “He was admitted for pneumonia three days ago, has a history of COPD and hypertension, and has been on IV antibiotics.” |
| A – Assessment | Give a professional evaluation based on current observations. | “His SpO2 has dropped to 85% on 2L oxygen, respiratory rate has increased to 28, and he appears anxious and fatigued.” |
| R – Recommendation | Suggest the next steps or actions needed. | “I recommend increasing oxygen therapy, obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG), and preparing for possible respiratory support. Should I notify the respiratory team?” |
RN SBAR Example: Nurse-to-Physician Report
Situation: “Dr. Patel, this is Nurse Jackson from the ICU. I am calling about Mr. Robert Hughes, a 68-year-old patient with COPD who is showing signs of respiratory distress.”
Background: “He was admitted four days ago for an exacerbation of COPD and has been on IV antibiotics and 3L nasal cannula oxygen. This morning, his SpO2 was 94%, but it has now dropped to 86% despite oxygen therapy.”
Assessment: “He is experiencing increased shortness of breath, respiratory rate is 28/min, and he appears anxious. His BP is 110/70, HR 98, and lung auscultation reveals wheezing in both lower lobes.”
Recommendation: “I recommend increasing his oxygen support and evaluating for possible BiPAP therapy. Would you like me to obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG) and call respiratory therapy for an assessment?”
SBAR Nursing Template (PDF and Printable)
Hospitals and nursing schools often use SBAR report templates to standardize communication. Below is a general format:
SBAR Report Template
| Section | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| Situation | Patient’s name, current condition, immediate concern |
| Background | Medical history, past treatments, recent changes |
| Assessment | Current vitals, symptoms, nurse’s evaluation |
| Recommendation | Suggested actions, medication adjustments, follow-up plans |
Downloadable SBAR Report Sheet (PDF) Many organizations provide nursing SBAR templates in PDF format for documentation. These templates ensure consistency in reporting.
SBAR in Non-Clinical Settings
SBAR can also be adapted for non-clinical settings such as:
- Nursing leadership: Reporting workplace issues, staffing concerns.
- Healthcare administration: Communicating policy changes or patient safety concerns.
- Patient discharge planning: Collaborating with case managers and family members.
Example of SBAR in a Non-Clinical Setting: Situation:
“Our unit has experienced an increase in patient falls over the last month.”
Background:
“There have been five reported falls, primarily during night shifts. The current staffing ratio is 1:6.”
Assessment:
“Most falls occurred in patients with mobility issues. The use of bed alarms is inconsistent.”
Recommendation:
“I suggest increasing staff awareness, ensuring bed alarms are functional, and implementing hourly rounding.”
SBAR Nursing Report Format Template for Nurses
| SBAR Section | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| S – Situation | Who you are, patient’s name, primary concern. |
| B – Background | Medical history, reason for admission, recent treatments. |
| A – Assessment | Current vitals, lab results, symptoms, clinical findings. |
| R – Recommendation | Suggested actions, medication adjustments, follow-up plans. |
📄 Download SBAR Template PDF – A printable SBAR format sheet for nurses to document patient updates efficiently.
How to Use SBAR Nursing Effectively
- Be concise but complete: Keep information relevant to avoid miscommunication.
- Use clear and direct language: Avoid medical jargon when communicating with non-clinical staff.
- Practice and standardize: Many institutions have SBAR sheets and training programs to ensure consistent use.
- Anticipate questions: When giving an SBAR report, be prepared to answer follow-up questions.
SBAR is an essential tool in nursing communication, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective patient care. Whether you are a nursing student, a practicing nurse, or working in healthcare leadership, mastering SBAR enhances patient outcomes and professional collaboration.
FAQs on SBAR Nursing
1. What is an example of a SBAR situation?
A SBAR situation example in nursing typically involves a scenario where a nurse needs to communicate critical patient information concisely to a physician, another nurse, or a healthcare team member. Here is a practical SBAR example in a clinical setting:
Scenario: A post-operative patient is experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Situation:
“Dr. Carter, this is Nurse Emily from the surgical unit. I am calling about Mr. James, a 65-year-old patient who underwent a total knee replacement yesterday. His blood pressure has suddenly dropped to 88/55 mmHg.”
Background:
“He was stable earlier with a BP of 120/80 mmHg, HR 78, and SpO2 98% on room air. He has a history of hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. He received IV fluids and pain medications during the shift, but no significant changes were noted until now.”
Assessment:
“Currently, he appears pale and slightly diaphoretic. His BP remains low despite elevating his legs, and his heart rate has increased to 105 bpm. Urine output is also reduced in the last two hours.”
Recommendation:
“I recommend assessing him for possible hypovolemia or bleeding. Should I increase his IV fluids, order a stat hemoglobin check, or prepare for further intervention?”
This structured approach ensures clear, efficient, and timely communication between healthcare providers, leading to quicker decision-making and better patient outcomes.
2. What are the 4 steps of SBAR?
The SBAR framework consists of four essential steps that guide structured communication in nursing. These steps help nurses relay accurate and relevant patient information, ensuring effective decision-making and improved patient safety.
- Situation (S) – What is happening with the patient right now?
- Clearly state the main concern that requires immediate attention.
- Example: “Mrs. Taylor, a 78-year-old female, has an oxygen saturation of 85% despite being on 4L nasal cannula.”
- Background (B) – What is the relevant patient history?
- Provide essential clinical details, including past medical history, reason for admission, and current treatment.
- Example: “She has a history of COPD and was admitted three days ago for pneumonia. She has been receiving IV antibiotics and oxygen therapy.”
- Assessment (A) – What is your professional evaluation?
- Share objective observations, including vital signs, lab results, and symptoms.
- Example: “Her respiratory rate has increased to 28, she appears dyspneic, and her chest sounds reveal crackles bilaterally.”
- Recommendation (R) – What action do you suggest?
- Propose appropriate interventions or clarify what assistance is needed.
- Example: “Should we increase her oxygen delivery, order a chest X-ray, or call respiratory therapy for an assessment?”
Using these four steps, nurses can communicate critical information effectively while reducing confusion and errors in healthcare settings.
3. How to give a nursing handoff report using SBAR?
A nursing handoff report using SBAR ensures that essential patient information is accurately conveyed between shifts or when transferring a patient to another healthcare professional. The goal of an SBAR handoff is to provide concise, complete, and structured communication to ensure continuity of care.
Example of a Nursing Handoff Report Using SBAR:
Situation:
“Good evening, I am Nurse Anna handing off the report on Mr. Jackson, a 72-year-old male recovering from pneumonia. He remains stable but requires continued oxygen support.”
Background:
“Mr. Jackson was admitted five days ago with community-acquired pneumonia. He has a history of hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. He has been on IV antibiotics and oxygen therapy at 3L via nasal cannula.”
Assessment:
“Currently, his temperature is 99°F, BP 130/82, HR 90, and RR 20. His oxygen saturation remains at 92% on 3L. He has a productive cough, but his lung sounds are improving. He is tolerating oral intake well and is ambulating with assistance.”
Recommendation:
“Monitor his oxygen levels closely, encourage deep breathing exercises, and continue antibiotics as prescribed. He is due for a follow-up chest X-ray in the morning. Please notify the physician if his oxygen saturation drops below 90% or if respiratory distress worsens.”
Tips for a Nursing Handoff Report Using SBAR:
- Keep the report concise (2-3 minutes per patient).
- Highlight important changes in patient condition.
- Focus on actionable information to help the next nurse provide appropriate care.
- Clarify priorities to ensure smooth continuity of care.
Using SBAR for handoff reports minimizes miscommunication and ensures patient safety during shift changes or patient transfers.
4. What information should the nurse include when using the SBAR technique?
When using the SBAR technique, the nurse must include relevant, concise, and structured information that facilitates effective decision-making. The details should be tailored to the clinical situation while avoiding unnecessary information.
Essential Information to Include in SBAR Communication:
✔ Situation (S)
- Patient’s name, age, and diagnosis.
- Reason for the call or handoff (primary issue).
- Current symptoms or critical changes in condition.
✔ Background (B)
- Relevant medical history (chronic conditions, allergies).
- Reason for hospitalization/admission.
- Recent treatments or interventions (medications, surgeries, test results).
✔ Assessment (A)
- Vital signs (BP, HR, RR, temperature, SpO2).
- Current status of the patient (pain, consciousness, mobility, lab results).
- Signs of deterioration (respiratory distress, sepsis indicators, abnormal lab findings).
✔ Recommendation (R)
- Proposed interventions or next steps (adjust medication, order tests, consult another department).
- Clarify the level of urgency (immediate action vs. routine follow-up).
- Ask for confirmation (e.g., “Would you like me to administer a bolus IV or increase oxygen levels?”).
Example SBAR for a Post-Surgical Patient with Low Blood Pressure:
Situation: “Dr. Lopez, I am calling about Mr. Anderson, a 68-year-old patient who had an abdominal surgery 12 hours ago. His blood pressure has dropped to 88/56 mmHg.”
Background: “He was stable post-operatively with a BP of 120/75 mmHg. He has a history of hypertension and was receiving IV fluids and pain management.”
Assessment: “He appears pale, is slightly confused, and his heart rate has increased to 110 bpm. Urine output is decreased.”
Recommendation: “Should I increase his IV fluid rate, obtain stat lab work, or prepare for further assessment?”
Including only relevant and precise information helps prevent communication errors and ensures timely patient care interventions.
