1. Calling the Doctor
Before calling the doctor the nurse should think…
 Have I seen this patient myself before I call?
 Are there standing orders I could use?
 Do I have on hand:
 The chart
 List of current meds & IV fluids
 Most recent vital signs
 If reporting lab work, date and time this test was done and
results of previous tests for comparisons
 Code status
If it is between 7 pm and 7 am, have I discussed this call with the RN
on my unit or the Nursing Supervisor?

2. Calling the Doctor (continued)
 Have I read the most recent MD progress notes and notes
from the nurse who worked the shift ahead of me?
 If calling for a consult, why is the physician being consulted??
This information needs to be communicated.
When ready to call, remember to:
• Have chart at hand
• Identify self, unit, patient, room #
• Know the admitting diagnosis and date of admission
• Briefly state the problem, what it is, when it happened or how it
started, and how severe it is
• What have I done to resolve the problem?
• What do I expect to happen as a result of this call?

3. Calling the Doctor (continued)
 Make sure you are calling the most
appropriate physician. If in doubt, always call
the attending physician
 Check to see if others need the same
physician, cluster calls if possible
 Call the doctor only after answering all of
these questions

4. Calling the Doctor (SBAR)
(S) Situation: What is the situation you are calling about?
• Identify self, unit, patient, room number
• Briefly state the problem
(B) Background: Pertinent background information related to the
situation could include the following:
• The admitting diagnosis and date of admission
• List of current medications, allergies, IV fluids, labs
• Code Status
(A) Assessment: What is the nurse’s assessment of the situation?
(R) Recommendation: What is the nurse’s recommendation; what
does he/she want?
SBAR is a communication tool