Big Brother

[mrr5745]

My agency switched to computerized charting a few months ago. I was excited about it at first, but the software leads much to be desired. It has to be the most complicated software I have ever used, and I'm computer savvy. The real problem is that ever since we switched, the corporate office has turned into Big Brother. They are monitoring exactly when we enter our visit notes compared to when the visit was, reading the content of each visit note and constantly sending emails to our supervisors regarding the notes (10-12 a day for a staff of 8).

Soon, they plan to implement GPS tracking of employees. I'm just wondering - is this the norm with hospice agencies or have I time traveled back to 1984? They have also recently started enforcing a policy that strictly forbids working from home. So if I finish my visits for the day at 1600 I'm supposed to drive the 20-30 minutes back to the office rather than the 5 minutes home to finish my charting. What is your company's policy regarding this? I LOVE hospice, but I must admit I'm beginning to feel like a factory worker rather than a professional and I can't take much more of it

[tewdles, RN]

My suggestion would be to look for another agency. Not all hospices that use computerized documentation are punitive about the data. I am not surprised that they want you to develop point of service documentation skills and confidence...but there are good/effective ways to accomplish that end as well as bad/ineffective ways.

My guess is that you work for a "for profit" hospice.

[ErinS, BSN, RN]

Yuck! Move on to a company that trusts its employees.

[mrr5745]

Thanks guys. I just wanted to make sure this wasn't the norm before I started job searching!

[caliotter3]

Based on what you said in your post, I would also be looking for a new employer.

[Bubbles]

Sounds like corporate has no undestanding of how RN Case Managers work! Since I have no experience with computer charting in hospice I don't know if it really makes charting easier, but as a hospice nurse experienced with paper charting we all know we finish up charting at home and plan our day before we set out at home and make phone calls from home and prepare for IDT meetings at home where you have space and privacy unlike in a crowded office. Another thing - I found some families did not want me charting in their homes. I agree with others who suggested another company. Wishing you the best!

[kimcamRN]

I am in a similar situation as the OP...thanks for the input. I would love to work for a nonprofit but there is only ONE in my area out of the 30+. The documentation situation where I am is pushing me out the door. We are expected to document on the computer in the patient's home BUT the computer 9/10 doesn't work in the patient's home! It's been hell and doesn't look to get better any time soon. Hate the idea of a job change as I love where I work, but this is making my job HELL!

[mrr5745]

kimcamRN - thanks for your response. It helps knowing I'm not the only one in this situation. I also love my job and the company I work for - until recently. I'm struggling with the idea of looking for a new job because I have been so happy in this position, but times are certainly changing! I've already started looking, but haven't found anything that caught my eye as of yet

[SoCalRN1970]

FYI. I know Kiaser Permanente here in Southern California.. uses GPS to compare with paper notes. They follow their employees on GPS and verify it matches the documentation. I am a nurse who often completes her full case load well before the 8 hours is up, meaning you finish early, you clock out.

It's the way many hospices are going. I don't agree... its just reality.

[Ginapixi, BSN, RN]

we chart on computer since they day i started with my present company; it used to be great! until we "upgraded" the system; point of service charting does not work for me or most of my coworkers, mostly d/t poor connection, and when you finally are connected it throws you off and your charting is history cause you get no warning to save what you have entered; we just don't do it!

we have all tried and put in an effort but it is more time consuming and cumbersome than our old system;

GPS tracking how? we were tracked for a while - or possibly tracked through our work phones (how ever to track some one they had to pay extra and i doubt they did that a lot! then again, they waste money left and right but fuss about over time); not sure if they kept it on the new phones, but i really don't care;

when work i work, i don't go shopping or what ever, i have no time for that; i might stop for gas if i have to or find me a bathroom, that's it for me; if thy plan to put GPS tracking on your own car that is illegal unless they give you a car for work (that i would love to see!) they can do it to a company vehicle;

oh and i almost forgot: some of the homes i get to i would not want to chart there! no place to sit, no space for paper or a lap top!!!! and way too filthy.....

[netglow, ASN, RN]

FYI. I know Kiaser Permanente here in Southern California.. uses GPS to compare with paper notes. They follow their employees on GPS and verify it matches the documentation. I am a nurse who often completes her full case load well before the 8 hours is up, meaning you finish early, you clock out.

It's the way many hospices are going. I don't agree... its just reality.

Ohhhh. so. I knew I was on some kinda GPS. I think as well on my smartphone or my car. As soon as I would pull out of a parking lot, my phone would ring... another admit, and another, and another. I quit that place for that and just endless other ****.

[mrr5745]

I must say, I have a problem with GPS tracking of employees regardless of the method, but tracking without the employee's knowledge or consent? Wow! That's bad! I'm unsure about the legality of that practice, it seems quite unethical at best!!!