Clearly, an ICU nurse can handle 2 patients on drips, vents etc.... but the documentation becomes a nightmare because CMS expects perfect charts such as restraint documentation. We utilize online charting and the detailed charting is ridiculous. Oh and ALL the Interruptions...24 hour family presence.... residents who can't carry their weight. I really feel they want a perfect chart but whether you do the care or not doens't really matter. It's a very scary at the bedside sometimes.... when I see a nurse charting at 0805, has 2 patient assignmnet.....so what care did they provide.....did they even turn the patient. Interesting how oral care, a basic need, has been researched and proven to be important but you find the toothbrush still in plastic and the patient has been in the unit for 3 days. But it is charted as completed.
I just wanna point out that just cause someone is charting at 0805 doesn't mean they didn't provide care. Some of us chart as we go, or in some cases, we get lucky and the first assessments get done very quick and easy!
Biffbradford
1,097 Posts
LOL It always seemed to me that the pts are stable until they transfer, then all goes to heck and they bounce right back!
