Advice for taking 2 patients

I try to get that 1st head to toe (or at least the assessment of the main problems) assessment done first.

For me, it helps to stop after I get report, to map out my day (based on the pts plan for the day- imaging trips, labs, meds, etc) I use 1 brain per Pt and 1 brain with meds / labs for each pt, in a column for each Pt)

 I enter the room ready to do physical assessment, glucose checks and will likely also do a turn, oral care, temp check, etc. then I might chart and then go to the other pts room to do the same. 

I’ve also tried to get faster with my daily cares- I’m still not fast, but when I go in the room, for anything, I do a turn, give meds, educate, do safety checks, do oral/ peri care. As long as it’s within the hour of it being due, I try to do it. 

And chart, chart, chart! We can copy our own assessments for the most part, so I try my hardest to have all the charting up to date and done within the 1st 4-5 hrs, then I can copy and paste my own assessments including any changes easily for the rest of my shift. 
 

I assume our charting is standard (I’ve heard it’s overkill) we do head to toe Q4H, daily cares (incl oral care and reposition Q2H). Gtt rates and VS Q1H, etc

Do you feel you need to be faster with charting or with cares? I’ve worked on charting fast, but as I said, it still takes me what I feel is a long time to clean a pt, reposition them, educate them, give oral care, etc. so I try to be fast when I can - I can give g tube meds or any meds pretty fast, I can reposition a pt without cleaning them really quick. But other things (like cleaning a vented pts BM up or educating family) take me awhile cause I want to be safe and kind to the pt.

The fact that it's so apparent how much you care about taking two patients and performing well - shows how great of a nurse you are and will be.

Keys to perfecting two patient assignments:

1. Cluster care - grab meds, bath supplies (everything needed for daily duties in the morning so it's all together)

2. Document consistently - throughout the day go back to your documentation every 2 hrs atleast so it doesn't creep up on you 

3. Be proactive - if you know your patients going for a test, think ahead and call and schedule. Planning your day accordingly will make the biggest difference 

you'll be great ❤️