Just curious how/which accidents you report? We have a computer system to track all visits, and I put most everything in just so I can keep track of frequent flier visits and just in case anything seemingly minor needs to be referenced. I draw the line at minor scrapes that could have been taken care of with class or playground first aid kits. Still, if there is a bump/fall, even if I don't see a bump/bruise and a student seems fine, I still log it, just in case it becomes swollen/bruised later or a parent wants to know more details. I feel like it also reflects on me - and shows what keeps me busy during the day :)
However, our administration is looking at the numbers and thinks I'm reporting too many accidents versus other schools in our organization (we're a private school). I feel stuck and a little uncomfortable now having to differentiate between an accident that needs to be logged in the computer and one that doesn't. Our principal has suggested I can log incidents in my own/separate way too (ones that do not go onto our computer system) - although this just seems like more work to me!
Anyone encounter anything similar (with administration wanting fewer accidents reported)?
Accident reports are different here than visit reports.
I log in routine visits. But for true accidents/incidents that may require follow up, I do an Incident report. If the child requires outside eval from a provider, i also fill out an accident report linked to our schools insurance. The parent then submits this form after their insurance pays. (It covers anything over that.) Incident reports are then sent to our district office, and accident reports to our insurance provider.
So, there should be a clear designation between routine visits for a bump or an abrasion, and true accidents that are more serious.
Just curious how/which accidents you report? We have a computer system to track all visits, and I put most everything in just so I can keep track of frequent flier visits and just in case anything seemingly minor needs to be referenced. I draw the line at minor scrapes that could have been taken care of with class or playground first aid kits. Still, if there is a bump/fall, even if I don't see a bump/bruise and a student seems fine, I still log it, just in case it becomes swollen/bruised later or a parent wants to know more details. I feel like it also reflects on me - and shows what keeps me busy during the day :)
However, our administration is looking at the numbers and thinks I'm reporting too many accidents versus other schools in our organization (we're a private school). I feel stuck and a little uncomfortable now having to differentiate between an accident that needs to be logged in the computer and one that doesn't. Our principal has suggested I can log incidents in my own/separate way too (ones that do not go onto our computer system) - although this just seems like more work to me!
Anyone encounter anything similar (with administration wanting fewer accidents reported)?
Thanks much!!
That just would just not sit right with me. I electronically document every student that walks in my door, even for just a feminine pad. I believe that I am obligated to document all nurse-student interactions. If my administration asked otherwise of me I would have major issue with that. What if a seemingly minor injury turns out to be something serious and it was found that you failed to document the incident the same way all others are because you added it to your "personal documentation" instead? Failure to properly document is a violation of the nurse practice act and could land you into some trouble with the BON.
In my district accident reports are filled out for any incident resulting in a significant injury for which the school may be held liable, even if medical treatment was not sought. I have 600 students and have only filled out 2 this year - One for a student who injured his arm when he tripped over something in the classroom and another for a PE injury resulting in a fracture. Since my students do not have recess I would suspect that the Elementary schools in the district would have a few more.
I chart everything. It is a simplistic narrative computer system, but I am encouraged by my admins to keep track. You never know when that minor laceration may turn to flesh eating bacteria or that little bout of nausea is a bowel obstruction. Your administrators should be covering your back and pointing out how your documentation could save the organization in the long run. When all is said and done, you need to protect yourself and, by extension, covering your employer.
abc123RN
506 Posts
WORST. GAME. EVER.