Can't read cursive?!?!?!

[Antikigirl]

So I was in a hurry and didn't write a MAR entry in printing (okay half was half wasn't..lol...ya know when your flustered when..LOL!). I had NO idea it would become so much of an issue!

You see, they just hired a new caregiver (non licensed..go figure!) who can not read or write in cursive! So I had an order for Digoxin..typical stuff...hold dose if pulse is less than ___ (my doc chose 55). Well...she couldn't even read the word Digoxin since I put it in cursive...so she gave anyway (okay with the MAR protocol we have, they must match up bubble pack label to MAR three times...ummm how can she have given the med if she can read the MAR???).

So I got in trouble since she gave it with a pulse rate of 50. Okay one, you better let me know if you are going to hold the med since I need to assess, and two...ME?!?!?! I know how to read cursive, everyone I know except for this one knows how!!! What the!?!?!?!?

Anyway..my administrations suggestion "print everything!"...okay yeah fine, I will print MAR entrys..no probelm..but charting?!?!?! Heck no!

I totally confronted the admin and told them how seriously dangerous it was for this to happen, that notes are written per shift to let caregivers know what is going on, and if she can't read it???? But they told me "she has a learning disorder and we can not discriminate!"...and I said "okay..you tell the family of that when you go to a patients funeral!!!!!!!".

She is still employed because of a discrimination deal...what do you think? To me it is like having someone that can't read English or do math...no place in healthcare!!!!!!!! (scares me that she is giving meds!!!!!!!!!!!!).

I am contemplating documenting all the admin I have talked to, and calling the board! So far we have covered for her, rewritten much, but still..she will never be able to read what is in the care notes past 2 weeks ago!!!!!!!

Heck, I thought reading doc orders was bad enough..but not to be able to read cursive??????

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

What a scary situation when someone who is unable to read cursive is in school to become an RN!?! I haven't worked in a hospital in awhile, but don't docs still write orders? How can she possibly use "discrimination" as an excuse? How do you make it through high school if you can't read cursive. The world does not run on printing alone! Yikes!!

I work with caregivers who give meds, but the only meds I delegate them on are given via gastrostomy tube. Luckily the other meds are mostly for GERD and constipation. And I never delegate till I am totally satisfied that they know what they are doing and what to do if any complications. Also don't hesitate to rescind the delegation if I feel that is needed.

Myself, I would definately notify the BON.

Oh man..I don't let my cg's ever touch a g tube!!!!!! No no no...I don't need that call in the middle of the night saying "oops!!!!"...grrrrrrrr~!

Oh well...I really do think this is enough to call the BON about...I found out about this last week..and with the hours I have put in..well frankly I am tired! So maybe tomorrow on my day off I can call...the only thing is..can I call without giving my info...it would be better for me if it all came down and I can look shocked, and smile on my breaks!!!!! Ya know???

[redraccoon, BSN, RN]

In the past several places I've worked it is policy - printing only. And if your printing (including docs) is not legible they can ask you to only print in BLOCK letters. Sure makes it easier on everyone - less errors due to not being able to clearly read the writing.

[not now, RN]

I learned cursive in the fourth grade and haven't used it since. I can barely read cursive. I don't know why, I just can't make alot of it out. Especially if the cursive was written in a hurry because the writer tends to run the letters together. In clinical I'm stuck asking someone what a word is, most nurses I ask reply "Well...ugh...I think it says..." I ask until I get a definate answer.

I use print because it's easier for both me and everyone else to read.

[weetziebat]

You know, I can understand saying that handwriting must be neat, and readable. We've all had those times trying to decipher (mostly) docs writing, and I agree it is long overdue to insist it be legible.

But I find it almost unbelievable that someone would be allowed to enter nursing school who is unable to read cursive. If you have a learning disability and cannot read it, it just seems unsafe to be a nurse. Personally, I think this disability thing goes a bit overboard. Not everyone can do every kind of job, and there should be limits on just how far everyone has to bend over backwards to accomodate those unable to meet the requirements.

Not being nasty, but doesn't it seem a bit unrealistic to expect, just because you want to do a job, that it will be possible?

[apaisRN, RN, CRNA]

Okay, she wasn't sure what the MAR said but gave the drug anyway? That has nothing to do with you or your handwriting. You NEVER give a med you're not sure of, whether you're a caregiver or an RN. If a caregiver is doing an RN's job she should be held to the same standard, and that includes knowing what meds you're giving and the parameters. If I can't read a doc's order, which happens occasionally, I can't just guess at what it meant! I work in ICU, I could kill someone, and so could she giving Dig without knowing what the hell she's doing.

Did she ever receive any training about passing meds? I can't believe they expect UAPs to read the med book. Like "half life" and "pharmacokinetics" will mean anything to them.

I take it the pt was unharmed by all this?

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

I used to get (and still do!) letters from my great-grand aunt. That little old lady writes ... erm... a bit hard to read, given her age. So I do ok at reading cursive (Heck, I figure things can't be as bad as a shaky 90 year olds handwriting!). Besides, I write cursive as well :-)

Maybe we should all start carrying typewriters around ;-)

Also, as a dumb nursing student, I have a question to ask --- I was taught that if you didn't know what you were giving, clarrify it or don't give it! If you can't read the MAR or the dosage requested - how do you manage to administer the drug?

[HisHands, ASN, RN]

Um... maybe I'm missing the point here, but..... why the heck couldn't she ask someone to help her read the MAR???????

Instead she chose to just make a good guess at what the drug was supposed to be???

I'd be calling the BON in a heartbeat, but that's just my humble opinion.