How do you stay organized?

Specialties NP

Published

I am a new NP that just started working. We don't wear lab coats at my practice so I have zero pockets. At a minimum I need to take a pen, pda, prescription pad in every room along with the chart(s). I am feeling completely clumsy trying to carry everything.

What does everyone else that is still working with paper charts do? I am thinking maybe some sort of planner to stuff everything in? Suggestions please!

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Specializes in NICU, Nursery.

Wow Congratulations!!! :)

Do you wear scrubs at least? Most scrubs have multiple pockets so you can stuff your "gadgets" in them.

Some clerks in our hospital use belt bags (a small one) so they have their pens, small notepads, penlight, etc. in handy when they need them. Maybe you can use that too.

As for the papers, i suggest a clipboard so that you can just clip them in as they pile up and not fly away.

Good luck! :)

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I am fortunate to have a lab coat provided by my practice (even in an outpt clinic who wants gunk on their clothes) and keep my pager attached to my pants, my smartphone and keys in one and my paper stuff (call schedule, script pad and a small pad of paper) in the other. I also only buy pants that have two front pockets for this reason. I can make do with putting my smartphone in one pocket, my keys/script pad in the other.

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Lab coats aren't "allowed" since they supposedly intimidate kids and I work in primary care peds. No scrubs either. It is a business/casual dress code (dockers and button down shirts for example).

Great ideas though, keep them coming.

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Specializes in family, internal, pediatric.

I carried all of that into each room, it gets easier. Put your pen in your pant's pocket or clip to chart on your way in. Don't stress!!

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Cargo pants are good - they're basically khakis that have pockets mid-thigh in addition to the standard two front, two back. Some places would consider them too casual, though.

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Specializes in med/surg, hospice.

pen clipped to shirt neckline (silver or black pen body only :wink2: -clip inside, pen body outside of course lol)

flat-front biz casual pants (never the "mom jeans cut" :nono:), smartyphone in r/hand pocket (i'm right-handed) - keys and small two-pocket wallet in l/hand pocket (wallet is lovely shade of stem green) ...sometimes lip balm there too

organizer/compartment plastic clip board with papers clipped on front- extras in compartment. 'Have in hand when i enter with either a 1)friendly smile to soothe your frayed nerves or 2)stern look of brainy confidence to calm your but(t) down

comfy shoes.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

our pediatric orthpedic surgeons at my facility wear blue lab coats to get around the "white coat" issues. ;)

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Specializes in PNP, CDE, Integrative Pain Management.

I finally solved my own organization problem with a small zippered "document case" made by Samsonite. Found it at TJ Maxx for 5 bucks, and its great! Currently in the case: iPhone, keys, calculator, pens, script pad, lip balm, business cards. There is a belt loop on the back, (of course i don't wear it!) but I clip my pager on the belt loop. I carry the case around in clinic, but its very small, flat, and very organized inside. I have eliminated the problem of realizing my (name needed item) is back home in yesterday's pockets.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I would be lost without my lab coat but am doing clinicals soon in a peds office and I also appreciate these tips.

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Specializes in PNP, CDE, Integrative Pain Management.

I'm peds all the way. No white lab coats.

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