End-of-Shift and Patient Safety Checklist

What a good one includes

• A dedicated section for high-alert medication reconciliation, confirming that all scheduled infusions, pain management updates, and outstanding doses are clearly documented.
• A patient environmental safety scan that prompts you to verify bed alarms are active, call lights are within reach, and physical hazards are cleared.
• An outstanding tasks log to highlight pending lab results, upcoming diagnostic imaging, or stat orders that the incoming shift must follow up on immediately.
• A structured SBAR framework to organize verbal handoffs and ensure no clinical details are missed during the report.
• A chart and documentation sign-off reminder to verify that all intake and output logs, restraint records, and nursing notes are completed and legally filed.
• A physical equipment check to confirm that oxygen levels, IV pumps, and specialized monitors are functioning correctly for the next team.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on mental notes rather than physically checking off items in real-time as the shift winds down.
• Overloading the checklist with redundant administrative tasks that distract from immediate, high-priority patient safety concerns.
• Neglecting to involve the patient in the final room check, which can lead to missed comfort needs or safety hazards like out-of-reach call lights.
• Skipping the validation of high-risk medical equipment like oxygen flow rates or IV pump programming during the handoff process.

Frequently asked questions