Background: Implementing Nursing Bedside Shift Report (NBSR) is challenging for nurse leaders. Before implementing or improving NBSR, nurse leaders need a clear understanding of the process and functions of nursing shift report. However, the social-cultural latent functions (unrecognized or unintended uses) of NBSR are poorly understood.
Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the latent functions of NBSR from the perspectives of frontline nurses.
Methods: Thematic analysis of previously collected semistructured interviews with nurses (n = 13) about NBSR was used to explore NBSR's latent functions.
Results: Three latent functions emerged; nurses used bedside shift report as a performance, ritual, and sensemaking opportunity. The latent functions are described, and corresponding recommendations for successful implementation of NBSR are provided.
Conclusions: Nurse leaders can use this study's findings to inform the development or improvement of an efficient, effective, and sustainable NBSR process at their local institution.