DA Form 3889: Nursing Unit 24-Hour Report PDF Guide

DA Form 3889: Nursing Unit 24-Hour Report PDF Guide – The DA Form 3889, officially titled Nursing Unit 24-Hour Report, is a standardized U.S. Army form used in military medical treatment facilities (MTFs) to document key nursing unit activities, patient status, and administrative data over a 24-hour period. It supports continuity of care, leadership awareness, and operational efficiency in Army hospitals and clinics.

Download the official DA Form 3889 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A3889.pdf

What Is DA Form 3889?

DA Form 3889 is a temporary nursing record prescribed for use in Army medical facilities. The current version is dated APR 2009 (previous editions are obsolete). A continuation sheet, DA Form 3889-1, is available when additional space is needed.

The form captures:

  • Ward/unit identification and capacity
  • Census at 0700 hours
  • Patient movements (admissions, transfers in/out, dispositions)
  • Patient identification for those who are Seriously Ill (SI), Very Seriously Ill (VSI), new admissions, or of command interest
  • Diagnosis or surgical procedure
  • Hospital day or post-op day
  • Other notations for significant events or remarks
  • Nurse’s signature

It is designed for quick, concise reporting across day, evening, and night shifts.

Purpose of the Nursing Unit 24-Hour Report

The primary purpose of DA Form 3889 is to inform the Chief, Department of Nursing (or equivalent) about patients and unit activities. It provides a substantive, concise summary of ward activities, patient conditions, census changes, and any unusual occurrences.

This report:

  • Ensures timely dissemination of patient care information
  • Supports administrative oversight and decision-making
  • Highlights high-acuity patients (SI/VSI) and command-interest cases
  • Documents patient flow (admissions, transfers, discharges/deaths)
  • Records significant events, accidents, or other matters of interest to leadership

Local policy determines exact preparation, submission, and retention procedures.

Who Uses DA Form 3889?

  • Charge nurses or designated nursing staff on each shift
  • Nursing units in Army Medical Centers (MEDCENs), Medical Department Activities (MEDDACs), and other MTFs
  • Personnel responsible for shift handovers and leadership reporting

The nurse in charge (or designee) is typically responsible for completing and submitting the report.

Key Sections of DA Form 3889

Administrative Data & Census:

  • Ward/Unit
  • Capacity
  • Census at 0700 hrs
  • Admissions, Transfer In, Transfer Out, Dispositions, Vacant Beds

Patient Reporting Sections (repeated for shifts):

  • Patient’s Identification
  • Check one: SI / VSI / New Adm
  • Diagnosis/Surgical Procedure
  • Hospital Day or Post-Op Day
  • Shift-specific columns (Day, Evening, Night)

Other Notations:

  • Space for significant events, accidents, or additional remarks

Certification:

  • Nurse’s Signature and Date

The form layout supports shift-based entries and easy scanning of critical patients.

How to Fill Out DA Form 3889 (Step-by-Step)?

  1. Enter Header Information — Ward/Unit, Date, Capacity, and 0700 Census.
  2. Record Patient Movements — Complete totals for admissions, transfers, dispositions, etc.
  3. List Key Patients — Include SI, VSI, new admissions, post-op, or command-interest patients. Provide identification, diagnosis/procedure, and day count.
  4. Add Shift-Specific Details — Use the appropriate columns for observations during each shift.
  5. Document Other Notations — Note any unusual occurrences or important events.
  6. Sign the Form — The responsible nurse signs to certify accuracy.

Accuracy and timeliness are critical for patient safety and compliance. Use the continuation sheet (DA Form 3889-1) if more space is needed. Always follow local standing operating procedures (SOPs) and relevant Army Regulations.

  • DA Form 3889-1 — Continuation Sheet
  • AR 40-3 (or successor regulations) — Primary reference for use of this form (proponent: Office of The Surgeon General)
  • Other nursing records (e.g., flowsheets, intake/output, assignment rosters) complement the 24-hour report

This form is part of the broader Army nursing documentation system designed to maintain high standards of care in military healthcare settings.

Importance in U.S. Army Healthcare

In military medicine, where patient loads, deployments, and command oversight intersect, the DA Form 3889 ensures leadership receives a reliable daily snapshot of nursing unit operations. It promotes accountability, enhances communication between shifts, and supports rapid response to changes in patient acuity or unit status.

Proper use contributes to:

  • Better patient outcomes through informed leadership
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Efficient resource management (beds, staffing)
  • Continuity during high-tempo operations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DA Form 3889 still current?
Yes, the APR 2009 version remains the standard form referenced across official Army publications and fillable templates.

Where can I download it?
Official PDF: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A3889.pdf

Is training required?
Familiarization is typically provided through unit-specific training, nursing orientation, and references to AR 40-series regulations.

For the most current guidance, consult your facility’s Chief of Nursing, local SOPs, or the latest Army Regulations on medical records and nursing documentation.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available U.S. Army publications. Always refer to official sources and current regulations for operational use.