[gauge14iv]

I am seeing 12 to 15 family practice patients per day. Not an unreasonable load. No pressure to go faster other than the fact that patients don't like to be kept waiting. I take my scheduled time with the patient - jotting down what I have to on a scratch note, and then I do my charting on a computer later - at lunch and at the end of the day. It's working - but I am very afraid of the day when I end up with 24 scheduled appointments! I will be charting until midnight!

Any tips from other NP's out there?

[nursetim]

I'm an NP student and I have the same concern. Any NP's want to share?

[sirI]

Sure, you will pick up speed as you go and yes, sometimes you will be charting for hours after everyone is gone. I don't do that anymore for I'll return early the next day if I'm overloaded with charting. Sometimes I get called away to the hospital and never return. Circumstances alter situations.

I dictate all my entries. I use the sticky paper to jot down notes and dictate from them. But, sometimes, you have to just take the time to catch up, especially if you have a heavy day. Just takes discipline to sit down and do it.

[gauge14iv]

I am getting dragon dictate next week - I have used the non-med version and it was ok, I trialed the new med version and LOVE it!

I found it in the 600.00 range. I don't care if *I* have to pay for it - It will be worth it I think.

[sirI]

That is a good idea, guage14iv.

For my business, I have dragon speak, but having issues training it to recognize my drawl. hahahaha

You'll definitely pick up speed as you go along.

[gauge14iv]

LOL I noticed that it doesn't seem to like a southern accent as well - which gets worse on my part as I get tired...

Version 9 is SCHWEET! however and I havn't had to fight with it like I did version 8.

(as I sit here with my coffee finishing 18 charts)

[sirI]

hahahaha, I know that feeling. Fatigue and dragon speak do not a good mixture make. hahahaha