Adjusting to EMAR

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

How many of you started at a paper MAR facility and then made the transition to EMAR?

How did it go? Did people adjust?

We went live last week. We've been getting massive amounts of call outs due to people who are afraid of- or feel that they can't handle- working with the new system.

We had one (8) hour training session- is this typical?

The day we went live, I discovered most of my patient's orders had been entered into the system inaccurately or in some cases, not at all.

Shouldn't the EMAR's be audited for 100% accuracy before going live? Or is this standard to "fix as you go?"

[mander]

When we switched over we had a team of nurses (and some ward clerks) transcribing orders into the system. The biggest thing to do is teach staff to be vigilant. If they think there is something wrong with an order, let someone know who can fix it or at least review it. Some mistakes weren't found until a monthly or even annual review of a resident. We had some nurses who were so slow at learning the computer. We had another nurse who was quick at it actually stand by them while they passed meds a few days. It was pretty much "fix as you go" for us but we had the team of nurses putting the meds in so there weren't a lot of errors. Can you look into having some support staff work with those that are afraid? Give a few people someone to follow them and help them out?

[ktwlpn, LPN]

You will LOVE it.Some Luddites did not adjust well,others did surprisingly well.We have switched systems a few times,that should have been ample training.Getting out on the floor and actually using the system is the best way to learn,IMHO.We audited every bleeping order.....THREE times....And still had errors here and there....

[KatAnnLpn]

We switched to EMAR last october, the first week or so was very difficult as there were a lot of errors in the EMARS. Trying to do your normal duties while fixing the errors in the mars was not fun. But now I love the EMARS. Except when the system crashes and we have to have all the MARS printed, which has happened twice LOL.

[ltcnurse4u, CNA, LPN]

When we transitioned, we have had three classes to attend to go over the new program. Then each nurse was assigned a certain number of residents to transcribe the orders into the new system. Each nurse had a buddy and they reviewed each other's orders. The unit managers did a final review of the orders before we went live. We also had EMAR work shops for any one that felt they needed extra help.

[suzw]

Kind of OT, but I am a new RN (5 months experience) who recently oriented (for one shift) an experienced RN (8 years). He was an ok nurse but kind of old-school and absolutely terrible with the EMAR (point-click care) even after his 3rd or 4th shift of orientation. He quit after his first shift on his own. So I guess it's hard for some to transition.

Personally, I like PCC, it seems easier, and like it helps reduce med errors (if used properly) but I've never worked off a paper MAR.