Re: Organizing unorganization
We use paper charting and computer charting in my hospital. Here're the things that I do:
I'll assess the patient first thing in the morning, give 8:00am meds. Then sit down and chart my assessment. I usually give myself a goal that by 10:00am, I'll get most of my initial assessment chartings done.
If the patient has restraint, foley, PCA and core measure illnesses (depends on ur hospital's protocols), it's likely that you will need to chart them on separate piece of paper. If you have questions, you should ask your coworkers.
I usually prioritize the things that I need to do such as:
1) notify the MD with critical lab value 2) meds 3)charting 4) bedbath. If you need to go to the patient's room, gather ALL the supplies such as meds, normal salines, alcohol swab and put extra gowns, towels in the closet. So you don't need to go to the patient's room bath and forth.
IF I'm really busy on that day and I don't have time to chart, I'll go to a private room during my break and catch up with my charting.
Good luck and I hope it helps
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