Computerized charting

[ccrnjen]

I am looking for information on the programs available for computerized charting. Particularly, their applicability and usability in the critical care setting. I have experience using one of these programs for assessments and interventions (which I feel worked very well once we were accustomed to it), but when I left that facility, they still hadn't figured out how to get vital signs, meds and drips in a format that was user friendly for the ICU setting with our constantly changing numbers and titrating meds. I currently work at a facility where paper charting is done in the ICU's and the floors all use an EHR. From what I have seen of this particular program, it is terrible and will be very difficult to use in the ICU.

What programs do you have experience with? What did you like about each program? What did you dislike? Would you recommend the program?

Thanks for your input!

[NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN]

Our ICU's use Mtech. I was on the only RNF to have it. I loved it. I recently transferred to another floor and went back to paper charting. I hate it. I have computer envy andwithdrawal. Everything is all in one place and it's charting by exception. The only thing that might be a PITA is the gtts. Actually, I take that back. You can put them under meds and put a range for the dose. Then you just record the number of mL/hr. We do that with Heparin and MS04.

[Mags4711, RN]

I have used GE Centricity in the past and loved it as well. I also went to a floor without computerized charting and have been painfully struggling for the past three years. I hate not being able to create new columns anytime I want to to put in vitals and notes. I despise having to squeeze my charting into defined boxes. I miss computers! Waaaa! (Never thought I'd EVER say that!)