What computer charting system do you use?

[SuzieQ_Scrapper]

I currently work in a very rural hospital that uses paper charting. On the first of October we are getting ready to go live with a computer charting system that I am sure I will NOT like. It is Meditech. It was not designed for L&D.

I decided if I am going to have to learn a new system I might as well do it at a new hospital while on orientation :chuckle I went for a job interview in a larger hospital in a city nearby and they said they used a system called WatchChild (I think that was the name). I know there is also a system called TraceVue that is designed for L&D. Anyway, wanted to know what systems some of you use, what you like about them, what you don't like about them, etc. Since I am looking for a new place to work, I might as well pick a place that has a cool computer charting system (if all things are equal) as well.

[BETSRN]

I currently work in a very rural hospital that uses paper charting. On the first of October we are getting ready to go live with a computer charting system that I am sure I will NOT like. It is Meditech. It was not designed for L&D.

I decided if I am going to have to learn a new system I might as well do it at a new hospital while on orientation :chuckle I went for a job interview in a larger hospital in a city nearby and they said they used a system called WatchChild (I think that was the name). I know there is also a system called TraceVue that is designed for L&D. Anyway, wanted to know what systems some of you use, what you like about them, what you don't like about them, etc. Since I am looking for a new place to work, I might as well pick a place that has a cool computer charting system (if all things are equal) as well.

We have OB TraceVue. It is mediocre,at best. Our Biomed department told our manager that it will be outdated before long. There are much better ones (and I am blanking on the name of one I saw which was very nice)!

[BETSRN]

We use Clinicomp, carecast/flowcast, also, I've used PACIS, and an IDX system. Clinicomp is by far the best. That I've used, anyway. Good luck!

Our IDX is terrible: very cumbersome and a total waste of time. There is way too much room for error.

[RNnL&D]

We use WatchChild for L&D. I find it very easy to navigate. I really like it, and find switching it paper charting for PP a PITA.

I used a different system while on clinicals at a different hospital for nursing school but don't remember what it was. It could have been the Meditech you are talking about because it was similar to DOS, and very hard to figure out, IMO. They had notes stuck to the monitors to walk you through the screens you needed to get through.

[OC_An Khe]

I agree with Blue Eyes, that Meditech is old antiquated and not worth it.

On another note, if you are paid hourly then you must be paid overtime if you work it even if your employer doesn't authorize it. This is federal law.

[nursemary9, BSN, RN]

Hi

We use something called CARE CONNECTION.

It was difficult to learn, and it is complicated, but it's OK. I have never used any of the other systems you all mentioned. I sure do like our computer compared to paper.

The first couple of weeks were rough, but now, OK.

Mary Ann

[elthia]

We use Meditech, the latest upgrade became a little more Windows oriented, you can even use the mouse now (of course I'm so used to not using it, I rarely do.) In fact I'm really starting to like it with the new upgrade. I think a lot of it depends on who you have customizing it for your hospital/department.

wow. I didn't realize how spoiled I am. The VA's system is windows based, and about as easy to use as this message board!!!! open up patient record, main screen shows important info, most things is point and click, everything is available for viewing just have to click on the right tab. It's just the medication orders that can be tricky ( and there are some bugs where the computerized chart interfaces with the pyxis), but it won't accept an "incorrect order".

[helpinghands, BSN, RN]

Oh my gosh, we have one doc in particular who would through a "s**t fit" (as granny used to say) . . if he didn't have I/O and VS IN THE CHART ON A PIECE OF PAPER. We actually have paper charting in OB and PP that has a place for VS and I/O, which we use but also have a separate graphic for the docs so they don't have to go looking through the nurse's notes . . .so we chart some things more than twice.

I agree with you deb . . . . . .the word is definitely

CUMBERSOME

steph

This is the reason that my unit (critical care) is the last one to still have mostly paper charting. There are plans to make the full switch within the next year though. In preparation we are using invision for some of our charting. It's a mess, the information is scattered everywhere and there is alot of double charting.

[SmilingBluEyes]

It absolutely STINKS when you have to chart for dr's too lazy or time-pressed to look up their own vital signs, YET be still responsible for charting everything in the computer. It's very inefficient and a time-waster. But apparently, our time is not as important a consideration as those of dr's. So we get to do it all.....VS on paper--assessments, meds and nurses notes on Meditech. Its a real pain.

[Da Monk]

We are in the top 100 wired hospitals in the US. We use McKesson Care Manager. I did not like it when I came on board about 6 months ago. But the system is infinitely adaptable and I think it's a pretty good system now. All units use it. It is a windows driven setup and so you use it just by clicking with a mouse. There are free text boxes. Orders are put into the system via the program also. A few older programs are used too, but I think they are being phased out. The only problem is that most of the MD's on our service can't (or won't) use the system and there are still thick paper charts. Some of the cardiac unit MD's put in their own orders. Of course, the goal is to get everything computerized. I must say that the only thing I see as problematic is that too much time can be spent nursing the computer and not the patients which can foster functionality over professionalism. But program familiarity with the system lessens this problem.

[midwife2b]

We also used McKesson Care Manager. In fact, our upgrade to HED doesn't cover 100% of charting so it is still available. Talk about a PITA! In addition we have Watchchild for archiving our tracings. BP's are recorded here, and annotations about the strip, but these don't "talk" to and can't go to Care Manager or HED. So my charting consists of recopying things I should not have to do in the first place. And why??? Because "we all should be charting on the same form". The critical care units hate it... PACU is going to have to start using it... STILL have a wad of paper because of various peoples desires.... I wish we could utilize the WatchChild since it is sitting right there...

My biggest frustration about my job is the computer charting. Not user friendly and not time saving because I have to know what I want to chart and where it is located...

[lauriesalRNC]

we use Watchchild. Am I the only one?

Oh my gosh, we have one doc in particular who would through a "s**t fit" (as granny used to say) . . if he didn't have I/O and VS IN THE CHART ON A PIECE OF PAPER. We actually have paper charting in OB and PP that has a place for VS and I/O, which we use but also have a separate graphic for the docs so they don't have to go looking through the nurse's notes . . .so we chart some things more than twice.

I agree with you deb . . . . . .the word is definitely

CUMBERSOME

steph

[labornurse]

We used Meditech in L/D for about 5 years. Finally all the L/D nurses, including our manager, voted to go back to paper charting and the flow sheet. Now we are much happier and charting is much more accurate and faster. Meditech is the worst. Every time they say they are upgrading, it results in some kind of problem that takes 6 months to fix.:angryfire