Organization!

[shannonFNP, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hello! I just accepted a position in home health to start as soon as my notice to my current employer is over. I was wondering what do you all do to get organized? Do you have checklists? Portable filers? What is it that you do to stay ahead? I was considering buying one of those plastic bins for filing papers... but then realized I don't even know if I have anything to file! This is all just so new!

Thanks for the help :)

[anticoagulationurse]

Our charting is on computer so that helps to keep the actual "paper" work to a minimum. The big thing I do to stay organized is NOT allow things to pile up. I do it now, and don't wait thereby reducing my sense of being overwhelmed and never on top of things. I am sure other people have more practical ideas!

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

If that agency does paper charting...

have a box with hanging folders that are labelled, with additional papers you may need, such as nurses notes, wound sheets, transfer packets, progress notes, etc

Have another box to keep all your patient charts in, with each labeled on the front so you can quickly find which one you need.

As you see patients, at the end of the day, complete the paperwork for that day so you dont get behind.

I keep a stack of extra admission packets in my back seat and a drug book, my lab tray, etc.

I also keep each chart organized so I dont have to search for labs, diagnoses, etc.

As you go along, you will find your own system that works for you.

[cathrn64]

I find that everyone uses different methods. My agency is computerized. I try not to carry any extra paper on my pt's (some of my co-workers have a file for each pt) I find that keeping good electronic records is enough. We chart on PDA's