long term care facilities..computerized charting yet?

If you're planning on returning to nursing after a hiatus and don't feel comfortable using a computer, definitely try to learn some computer skills before you go back to work. If the LTC at which you want to work is not already using computerized charting, eventually it will make the switch. Adjusting to the routine of LTC will be much easier if you don't have to learn computer skills on top of everything else.

I worked with a nurse who hated computers and said she turned down positions in which she would be required to work with computers. I'm a patient person who enjoys teaching but I wanted to nearly throttle her during her orientation when she was resistant to learning anything about the computerized charting our facility used. She lacked even the most basic keyboard skills. "Uh, what do you mean, 'scroll down'?"

There are pros and cons to computerized charting but computer skills are imperative to anyone wanting a nursing job these days.

No computers where I work. I think I will jump for joy and do a little jig after they pick me up off the floor, if we ever go to computerized charting. LOL.

I started in LTC just for a month. The only computerized charting we have is for the CNA's to record the number of assists used while transferring and bathing.

The rest is PAPER CHARTING.

Where I work the CNA's use a computer system called Care Tracker. No more paper for them but the nurses are still writing a book every day. Our social worker has a very frustrating job when it comes to matching up the behaviors that the CNA's chart on the computer to what the nurses write in the team notes. Everything is suppose to match but things just couldn't be that simple.

My first nursing home job, in early 2006, had computerized charting.

However, none of the other LTC facilities since then have had computer charting. They all still utilize paper charting in my area, which is fine with me, because it seems more "defensive." When I'm charting on the old-fashioned paper nurses notes, I feel as if I'm charting for the jury.

Moved to the LTC forum for more responses.

We use the Paperless System through Pharmerica for our med pass & treatment charting. Nurses notes are on paper.

The one thing that I totally hate about having computers in LTC is that during my AM medpass, I feel as if I am SOOOOO rushed. We have meds scheduled for 0730, 0800 & 0900. The 0730's are with food. So, I don't have a problem meeting that time goal on the first part of the hall, but at the end of the hall, I am really pushing to make my time. If our meds are late, we have to type in a reason they are late. I feel so rushed, like I am going in the room, saying "here is your medicine". I really enjoy talking to my patients, and not all of them can take 10 pills at one time.

I kinda figured that after I posted since you're on AN and obviously use a computer.

Eh, I just needed to share that story.