This document provides guidance for nurses calling doctors with patient issues. It advises nurses to gather relevant patient information, such as charts, vitals, medications and test results before calling. It also recommends nurses identify the problem, their assessment and recommended next steps. Nurses should call the appropriate doctor and cluster calls when possible to provide all necessary information in a clear and concise manner.

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