Clear communication under pressure

ISBAR handover:
make the next step clear.

Introduction. Situation. Background. Assessment. Recommendation. Structure the conversation so your colleague understands the concern and the action you need.

Last checked 2026-10-30 · NMBA exam information · RN Standards for Practice

ISBAR helps organise a nursing handover or telephone escalation. It does not replace clinical judgement or emergency assistance. Do not wait to finish a routine call when urgent help is needed.

Introduction

Your name, role, location, the receiver and the patient identifiers.

Situation

The immediate concern and why you are calling now.

Background

Only the history, treatment and context relevant to this concern.

Assessment

Measured findings, changes and your concern. State uncertainty honestly.

Recommendation

A specific action and timeframe. Confirm who will do what, then read back and document.

An original nursing handover example

This is a fictional communication example, not an examination scenario or a treatment instruction. Replace placeholders only with verified information.

I: “Hello, I’m the RN caring for [patient identifiers] on [ward]. Can I confirm who I’m speaking with?”

S: “I’m calling because there has been a change in the patient’s condition and I need a review.”

B: “The relevant history and current care are [verified details].”

A: “My current findings are [observations and trend]. I’m concerned about [reason].”

R: “Please review the patient [appropriate urgency]. Can we confirm the plan and who is responsible? I will escalate any delay or deterioration.”

Try it on this page

Rehearse an ISBAR call.

Use invented details. Work through the five prompts and say your response out loud or type it. This free exercise stays in this page, does not use your microphone or AI, and does not provide a clinical assessment.

Ready to rehearse5 prompts

Close the loop

Leave time for questions, read back the agreed plan and clarify responsibility. Record the communication and keep assessing the patient. A structured message is useful only when the next action is understood.

Further reading: ACSQHC Communicating for Safety Standard.

Explore AI ISBAR stations →Open the ISBAR checklist →

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