Chapter 6

Pack 1 — Shift Setup & Prioritization

The Prompt Vault Template

· Verify/Policy Reminder: Safety checks before using the output

· Quick Variants: How to adapt for different settings

· Best LLM: Which AI tool works best for this prompt

Copy and Paste (Save Prompt Text)

Medical-Surgical Unit RN

“3-Minute Shift Launch Plan” (Stable/Guarded/Unstable)

I am a [role/unit, e.g., med-surg RN] working a [shift length] shift from [start time]–[end time].

I have [number] patients (de-identified). Use letters only—no names, MRNs, room numbers, DOBs, exact ages, or exact dates.

Patient list:

• Patient A: [brief dx + key risks, e.g., POD#1 hip replacement; on PCA; fall risk]

• Patient B: [brief dx + key risks, e.g., COPD exacerbation; on 2L NC; frequent nebs]

• Patient C: [brief description]

• Patient D: [brief description]

• Add more as needed.

Create a 3-minute shift launch plan that includes:

1. Priority ranking of patients by acuity (Unstable → Guarded → Stable)

2. Time-sensitive tasks for the first 2 hours (assessments, meds, procedures, reassessments, labs/diagnostics, key communications)

3. Safety watchlist (patients requiring closer monitoring)

4. Quick wins (tasks I can complete early to stay ahead)

Format exactly as:

• Section 1: Priority Ranking (table: Patient | Acuity Level (Unstable/Guarded/Stable) | Why | First Action)

• Section 2: First 2 Hours (time-blocked checklist in 15–30 min blocks)

• Section 3: Safety Watchlist (bullet points)

• Section 4: Quick Wins (bullet points)

Constraints:

• Keep it concise and realistic for bedside nursing.

• No PHI.

• If key info is missing, add a short Assumptions list (no PHI).

Standard “Verify / Safety / Policy Reminder” (updated wording)

• ☐ Confirm the acuity ranking matches your bedside assessment and current orders

• ☐ Check MAR for due/overdue meds and required parameters/hold criteria

• ☐ Verify required assessments + reassessments per policy (pain, neuro, resp, sedation, I&O)

• ☐ Confirm time-sensitive labs/diagnostics/procedures and any transport times

• ☐ Apply unit protocols as applicable (falls, isolation, sepsis screening, anticoag precautions, restraints, suicide precautions)

• ☐ Keep all inputs/outputs de-identified (no names, MRNs, room numbers, DOB, exact ages, exact dates)

Quick Variants for Subspecialties

For ED Nurses

I'm an ED RN with [number] patients in rooms/beds [list general descriptions].

Triage levels: [e.g., 1 Level 2, 3 Level 3, 1 Level 4].

Create a triage-based priority plan for the next 2 hours, including reassessment timers.

I'm an ICU RN with [number] patients. Include device/drip checks (vents, pressors, lines) and safety sweeps in the first 2 hours.

I'm a home health RN with [number] visits today across [geographic area]. List patients by visit priority (e.g., wound care, new admit, routine check) and suggest an efficient route.

ICU Nurses

Home Health Nurses