Nursing Shift Assessment Checklist
Complete comprehensive nursing assessment at the start of each shift including vital signs, head-to-toe systems review, and care planning.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Every shift
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Registered Nurse
- Total Items: 31
- Compliance: State Nurse Practice Act, Joint Commission Standards, ANA Standards of Practice
Vital Signs
Current vital signs
- Temperature recorded?
- Blood pressure recorded?
- Heart rate recorded?
- Respiratory rate recorded?
- Oxygen saturation recorded?
- Pain level assessed (0-10)?
Neurological Assessment
Neuro status
- Level of consciousness assessed?
- Orientation assessed (person, place, time)?
- Pupil response assessed?
- Motor strength assessed?
Cardiovascular Assessment
Cardiac status
- Heart sounds assessed?
- Peripheral pulses assessed?
- Edema assessed?
- Capillary refill assessed?
Respiratory Assessment
Pulmonary status
- Lung sounds auscultated?
- Breathing pattern assessed?
- Cough/sputum assessed?
- Oxygen therapy documented (if applicable)?
Gastrointestinal Assessment
GI status
- Bowel sounds assessed?
- Abdomen assessed (soft, distended)?
- Last bowel movement documented?
- Diet tolerance assessed?
Skin/Integumentary
Skin assessment
- Skin color assessed?
- Skin turgor assessed?
- Wounds/incisions assessed?
- Pressure points assessed?
- IV sites assessed?
Safety Assessment
Patient safety
- Fall risk assessed?
- Bed in lowest position?
- Call light within reach?
- Restraints assessed (if applicable)?
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Why Use This Nursing Shift Assessment Checklist?
This nursing shift assessment checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for registered nurse professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: every shift.
Ensures compliance with State Nurse Practice Act, Joint Commission Standards, ANA Standards of Practice. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Nursing Shift Assessment Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 7 sections: Vital Signs, Neurological Assessment, Cardiovascular Assessment, Respiratory Assessment, Gastrointestinal Assessment, Skin/Integumentary, Safety Assessment. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed every shift. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Who should use this Nursing Shift Assessment Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Registered Nurse professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.