by elliejayRN

Updated Jan 21, 2008 at 08:26 PM by elliejayRN

I'm a new nurse with AD/HD. I began working as an RN and judged harshly on my inablility to get the paperwork done quickly. If you have AD/HD what ways have you used to get your assessments charted, notes charted-before the end of your shift, still providing competent care to your patients?

Thank you

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Are you using any medication for the AD/HD? I have been nursing for 10+ years, was only diagnosed with AD/HD four years ago. I also feel that I give excellent patient care, but continue to struggle with charting.....
I am on Adderal, which helps me stay on task. I have purchased a book "totally easy" series, on charting. If I find it to be helpful I'll let you know. Hang-in! You made it through nursing school, you can find a way to make it work.

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

In school I made it a point to do my assessments and then immediately do my charting.

I always ask myself "What should I be doing right now?"

I always make it a point to ask people about things in case I missed something.

I have been off my Adderall for a few months because of a lack of time to see a Doc. (My Doc retired :<<). Something for my TO DO list...

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

How about charting small amounts at frequent intervals, so you are not doing one thing for too long.

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Those of us stuggling with ADHD also have the gift of creativity which we have had to develop to compensate for our difficulty staying focussed and staying on task, so tell us the things you have already tried doing to get your charting done on time. I knew from an early age that there was something "wrong" with me because in class, everyone else seemed to know what was going on, but I didn't. I honestly don't know how I made it through nsg school, but that was over 20 yrs ago and before computers. I remember keeping a folded paper towel in my pocket to jot notes that I would need for charting. Time has always been a problem for me, so I would note the time and what I did on my paper towel to use for reference when I wrote my notes. For the past 12 years, I have been on meds that help tremendously. I notice sometimes it takes me longer to write the note then it did to actually perform the task because of having to recall what I did and process it into written word. Also with ADHD we tend to be perfectionists and procrastinators, so you will need to motivate yourself to get things done with minimal distractions. Do you have a quiet place to do your charting? Every little thing can be a distraction when it comes charting time, so maybe you could talk with your supervisor about your need for a space with less stimuli where you could get your charting done.

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Ahhh yes....paperwork, charting and ADHD. Paperwork I am OK with depending on what type it is. Charting is a different story. I have all the info in my head but putting it into a cohesive thought is a different story.

What works for me is to chart using the same method. As much as I hated learning the SOAP or SOAPIE method, it is what works for me. At my work they use summary charting (narrative) which totally frustrates me. I asked my Nurse Educator if I am allowed to chart using a more systematic way. She was completely cool about it.

Sometimes I will create a Word document at the start of my shift...save it to the desktop and open it up and chart as needed. Then I can transfer it later once it is more complete. I mostly use Word because I am very anal about spelling and grammar. Even when I reply on this website, I first type in a Word document and then cut and paste, then I preview, make corrections and then post it.

If I am having a very busy day at work, I will carry a client list on me so I can add little bits of info on the fly. Then when I am ready to chart I can pull out the sheet of paper and go from there.

I still wish that I was more efficient but what can I say… I’m a work in progress!!

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

Originally Posted by elliejayRN

I'm a new nurse with AD/HD. I began working as an RN and judged harshly on my inablility to get the paperwork done quickly. If you have AD/HD what ways have you used to get your assessments charted, notes charted-before the end of your shift, still providing competent care to your patients?

Thank you

Had a fellow classmate with this problem. She went on to get her license, and the last I knew, she was still working as a nurse. I graduated in 1997.

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

it's not so much my charting, that i have trouble with.

it's everything else.

i am literally, driven to distraction.

i was on meds, but didn't like the feeling and took myself off.

the biggest thing w/me, is prioritizing and staying on track.

i personally don't chart until i'm done for the day-
but i work w/pts whose condition can spiral downward at any given moment.

you need to find what works for you.
it really is the creativity that we possess, that allows us to do it our way.

best of everything.

leslie

Re: RN-Attention Deficit Disorder-Nonhyperactive

I have the same issue, but unfortunately no helpful suggestions! I too have ADD/inattentive with what I'm pretty sure is some dysthymia. I'm on Wellbutrin but I feel like it makes my mood pretty flat and doesn't help my concentration too much. I think at this point my only hope is a ton of coffee and diet coke and a damn good system for organizing myself.