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by Lisky90

Do you use a clipboard? notecards? cheat sheets?
I just finished working as a CNA and start tomorrow as an RN. Over time I developed my own cheat sheet and had my own little "system" of doing things that helped me not to do forget things or helped me to keep track of what I had done. I know that my duties as a nurse will change and that this system of my mine may or may not work. Any suggestions?

[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

Re: What do you do/use at work that keeps you organized?

That's a great question to ask your preceptor. I'd try it her way, then as you get more comfortable in the role and with your routine, you can tweak it to your needs.

Best wishes!

[SkateBetty]

Re: What do you do/use at work that keeps you organized?

I created my own report sheet with sections such as Diagnosis, Cardio/Pulmonary, GI/GU, Neuro, etc. I use a red pen for things I need to stand out like allergies, things I need to do, things I need to be sure to remember. I staple these sheets together and refer to it throughout. I took one of my kids old pencil boxes, and keep it on the nurses station. Inside is pens, calipers, scissors, pen-light, RN-Notes, a calculator, breath mints, mini-hand lotion, and a few other essentials. So far nothing has gone missing!

[Lisky90]

Re: What do you do/use at work that keeps you organized?

Thank you...that is exactly the kind of tip I was looking for. Also, do you skate, Betty? I do...figure skating.

[SkateBetty]

Re: What do you do/use at work that keeps you organized?

Originally Posted by Lisky90

Thank you...that is exactly the kind of tip I was looking for. Also, do you skate, Betty? I do...figure skating.

SkateBetty is skate slang for someone who watches skateboarders! (I watch my daughter.) Cool, you figure skate. I love that.

[Lisky90]

Re: What do you do/use at work that keeps you organized?

oh...oops. I always have to ask, if I see a reference to skating; there aren't too many of us who do.

[pickledpepperRN]

Re: What do you do/use at work that keeps you organized?

I wear a fannypack so things don't fall out of pockets.
Along with scissors, hemostats an a rubber tourniquet (arthritis makes it hard to unscrew), alcohol wipes, pens, and such I have laminatedcards. Some are purchased from the AACN, others have our hospitals policies on IV concentration, Heparin, K+, insulin, and other drip protocols, and who and where to call for supplies and troubleshooting.

[idontwin]

Re: What do you do/use at work that keeps you organized?

I would love to know what is on your lami-cards...i am always looking for good ones!!

[jabiru]

Re: What do you do/use at work that keeps you organized?

Originally Posted by idontwin

I would love to know what is on your lami-cards...i am always looking for good ones!!

Me too. I need all the help I can get. And what are these 'clipboards' every seems to have? The only clipboard I know of is much to large to be carrying around in one's pocket.

~ signed, Confused.

[Gompers]

Re: What do you do/use at work that keeps you organized?

My system isn't very fancy, but it works. I don't like carrying around a clipboard, so this is easier.

We have those tri-fold paper towel holders all over the unit. I grab one for each of my patients plus one extra. I put each patient's name at the top of a towel and then list each hour of my shift below that, stretching them out to the bottom of the towel. When I get report on each patient, I write things in the appropriate time slot (i.e. 2400- vitals, ampicillin, 0200- gentamicin, 0400- vitals, lasix, 0600- morning labs, chest x-ray) so I can visualize what the night will look like. Then on the back of the paper towel, I'll jot down anything that isn't in the patient care summary (our computerized version of a kardex) that I need to know, pass on to the next nurse, or talk to the docs about. As I go through my night, I'll cross off each time slot as I complete the tasks. It helps keep everything on-time and organized, plus it's harder to forget about stuff since I have it all written out.

On the extra paper towel, I'll spread the whole thing out and write out the hours of my shift with lots of room in each timeslot. I'll jot the basics that each patient needs at that time, so when I'm busy instead of ruffling through each detailed paper towel, I have a master copy to look at.

Does this make sense?