SBAR Explained: The Format Every Nurse Uses
Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. How to give a clean handoff.
SBAR is the standard handoff format. Practice early.
S - Situation
'I'm calling about Mrs. Smith in 405. She's having new chest pain.'
B - Background
'78 y/o female, post-op day 1 from total hip arthroplasty. History of HTN and CAD. NPO until this morning.'
A - Assessment
'Vitals: BP 162/95, HR 118, RR 22, SpO2 94% on RA. Pain 7/10, substernal, started 10 minutes ago. Diaphoretic. ECG ordered.'
R - Recommendation
'Could you come evaluate? Should I get troponin and a 12-lead ECG?'
Frequently asked
Provider interrupts SBAR?
Answer their question, return to your format. They'll usually let you finish if you stay organized.
SBAR for bedside handoff?
Yes, abbreviated. Patient as part of report, included in plan.
Quick check
Loading a question…
How ready are you right now?
10 real NCLEX questions, free, in your browser. See how close you are to ready and which subjects are costing you.
Try 10 questions free