Summary
One of the most crucial communication techniques in Australian healthcare settings is ISBAR handover. The term “ISBAR” will come up frequently in lectures, simulations, and particularly during clinical placement for nursing students. However, many students feel totally lost when they have to talk during handover on a busy ward, even though they grasp the concept in principle.
Students frequently rush, overlook important information, or remain silent due to first-week placement anxiety, fear of coming across as “stupid,” and pressure from time-constrained professionals. This is risky because inadequate handover can result in pharmaceutical mistakes, patient injury, and missed care. However, practical, student-level ISBAR examples that correspond to what they are actually supposed to say are rarely presented to students.
Written especially for nursing students, this page offers clear, useful ISBAR handover examples together with an explanation of ISBAR in simple terms. These examples demonstrate how to communicate securely, confidently, and professionally without sounding like a trained nurse or seeming like you know more than you actually do. They also mirror typical ward settings.
1. What ISBAR Really Means for Nursing Students (Not Registered Nurses)
The acronym for Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation is ISBAR. Nursing students are not required to provide handovers at the same level as registered nurses, who may provide quick, intricate handovers. Within your scope, you should communicate in a clear, honest, and safe manner.
ISBAR is not about using medical jargon to impress staff. It involves identifying yourself clearly, delivering pertinent information, outlining the patient’s condition, and understanding when to seek assistance. Many students make the error of speaking too little or attempting to appear “advanced,” which raises risk and anxiety.
ISBAR actually lowers stress when applied properly since it provides a defined framework. You don’t have to speculate on what to say next. You simply move step by step.
2. How to Introduce Yourself Using ISBAR (Student-Safe Language)
Many students experience anxiety during the Introduction section. They hurry their speech, talk too softly, or neglect to identify themselves as students. Employee confusion and irrational expectations may result from this.
Your name, role, and location should always be included in a safe student introduction. For instance:
“Hello, I’m ___, a student nurse on the ___ ward, and I’m calling regarding a patient that my preceptor and I are caring for.”
This makes it clear right away that you are a student and that you are speaking under supervision. As a student, you never have to apologize. It is required and professional to identify oneself clearly.
3. ISBAR Examples for Common Ward Scenarios (Student-Level)
This section includes 9 common ward scenarios nursing students frequently encounter. Each example uses simple, realistic language that is appropriate for students.
Scenario 1: Patient with Low Blood Pressure
A nursing student may need to report abnormal vital signs.
ISBAR Example:
“Hi, my name is ___, I’m a student nurse on medical ward B. I’m calling about Mr Smith in bed 5. His blood pressure has dropped to 88 over 54 in the last set of observations. He was admitted with dehydration and vomiting. His blood pressure was stable earlier today. He looks pale and says he feels light-headed. I’ve informed my preceptor and we are requesting a review.”
This handover is clear, factual, and safe. It does not include diagnosis or assumptions.
Scenario 2: Patient Complaining of Chest Pain
Chest pain is serious, and students must communicate calmly.
ISBAR Example:
“Hi, I’m ___, a student nurse on surgical ward A. I’m calling about a patient who is reporting chest pain. The patient says the pain started 10 minutes ago and feels tight. They have a history of hypertension. Vital signs show heart rate 110 and blood pressure 150 over 90. My preceptor is with the patient, and we are requesting urgent review.”
This shows urgency without panic and keeps within scope.
Scenario 3: Patient Refusing Medication
Students often feel unsure how to handover refusals.
ISBAR Example:
“Hello, this is ___, student nurse on ward C. I’m calling about Ms Lee in bed 3. She has refused her evening medication. She says she feels nauseous and does not want to take tablets right now. She has taken her medications earlier today. I’ve documented the refusal and informed my supervising nurse.”
This handover avoids judgement and documents actions taken.
Scenario 4: Post-Operative Patient in Pain
Pain management is common on placement.
ISBAR Example:
“Hi, I’m ___, a student nurse on orthopaedic ward. I’m calling about a post-operative patient who is reporting increased pain. The patient had knee surgery yesterday. They rate their pain as 8 out of 10 despite regular analgesia. Vital signs are stable. I’m calling to let you know and to ask for further pain management advice.”
Scenario 5: Patient with a Fall Risk Concern
Students often notice safety issues first.
ISBAR Example:
“Hello, my name is ___, student nurse on ward D. I’m calling about an elderly patient who appears unsteady when mobilising. They nearly lost balance when walking to the bathroom. The patient has a history of falls and uses a walker. Observations are stable. I’ve informed my preceptor and we would like a falls risk review.”
Scenario 6: Abnormal Blood Glucose Level
Diabetes management is a common scenario.
ISBAR Example:
“Hi, this is ___, student nurse on medical ward. I’m calling about a patient whose blood glucose level is 18.6. The patient has type 2 diabetes and is on insulin. They report feeling thirsty and tired. I’ve rechecked the result and informed my supervising nurse.”
Scenario 7: Deteriorating Mental State
Mental health changes must be reported carefully.
ISBAR Example:
“Hello, I’m ___, a student nurse on ward E. I’m calling about a patient who appears increasingly confused. They are oriented to person only and are more restless than earlier. They were admitted with infection. Vital signs show a temperature of 38.5. My preceptor is aware and we are requesting a medical review.”
Scenario 8: IV Site Concern
Students often notice IV issues.
ISBAR Example:
“Hi, I’m ___, student nurse on ward F. I’m calling about a patient’s IV site. The site appears red and swollen, and the patient reports pain at the site. The IV was inserted yesterday. I’ve stopped the infusion and informed my supervising nurse.”
Scenario 9: Patient Ready for Discharge Preparation
Students can handover progress too.
ISBAR Example:
“Hello, this is ___, student nurse on ward G. I’m calling about a patient planned for discharge. The patient is mobilising independently and pain is controlled. All observations are stable. Education has been provided with my preceptor.”
4. Common ISBAR Mistakes Nursing Students Make
Many students hurry ISBAR and omit important information. Others add extraneous details out of panic. Giving opinions rather than facts or declaring “everything is fine” without supporting data are frequent mistakes.
Not mentioning what has already been done or who has been told is another error. This may give the impression that nothing was done.
It is important for students to keep in mind that ISBAR is not about perfection. It has to do with structured, safe communication.
5. How ISBAR Helps Reduce Anxiety on Placement
ISBAR eliminates uncertainty, which gives you confidence. You don’t freeze when you understand the structure. Before placement, practice ISBAR aloud to help your brain react calmly under pressure.
Even if you are anxious, using ISBAR demonstrates to the staff that you are professional, safe, and well-organized.
6. Final Advice for Nursing Students Using ISBAR
Giving a proper handover doesn’t require sophisticated medical terminology. Lives are saved by straightforward, understandable communication. Being a student does not absolve you of responsibility, but it does shield you when you communicate openly and appropriately.
ISBAR is more than a checklist. You and your patients can use it as a safety tool.
People Also Ask
1. Do nursing students have to use ISBAR on placement?
Yes. ISBAR is the standard communication tool in Australian healthcare.
2. Can students give ISBAR without a registered nurse present?
Students should inform or involve their preceptor when escalating concerns.
3. Is it okay to read ISBAR notes when nervous?
Yes. Using notes is better than missing information.
4. What if I forget part of ISBAR?
Stay calm and continue. Clear information matters more than perfect order.
5. Will using ISBAR make staff trust me more?
Yes. Structured communication builds confidence and trust.
Useful Documents for every Nursing Student
CV Section Template for Nursing students
AHPRA – NMBA Registration Document Checklist (International Students-Graduates)
Clinical Placement Reflection Template (NMBA-aligned)
Cover Letter Template for Nursing Students
Disclaimer: “I researched this information on the internet; please use it as a guide and also reach out to a professional for assistance and advice.This information is not medical advice, so seek your medical professional’s assistance.”
