Can you write a word "error" when correcting mistake in charting?

[Ms.RN]

hello

i was told from my nursing instructor that when nurses make a writing mistake when they are charting, they need to draw one line across mistake and initial it, but never write a word "error" above the crossed word because a word "error" draws attention to it. is it true or not true? how do you guys correct mistakes in charting? is there a legality in writing a word error?

[hypnotic_nurse]

I think "error" is just one more word to crowd in there. I don't think it draws anymore attention than the part that's lined through.

I personally don't write "error" because if it's lined through and initialed, it's obvious that's an error...what else could it be?

[LPN1974, LPN]

I agree with hypnotic nurse.....I was told that the word "error' is unecessary, because the line thru it indicates the error.

Sometimes space in charting is tight, so adding the word just crowds things more.

[Brita01]

I was taught to draw one line through it, write the word "error" and initial it. This was in 1997, maybe things have changed now?

[DelightRN]

I think a lot of it depends on the facility, too. Generally I draw one straight line through it, with the word error and my initials. However, I clearly remember orienting at a particular facility that required you to use "M.E." for mistaken entry, rather than error.

[KRVRN, BSN, RN]

I always write "error" because I want it to be clear that it's an error. I can imagine a lawyer coming up with various reasons that there might be lines drawn here and there and through and around charting. I mean, to you and me, it's obvious that it's an error, but to a lawyer looking to find holes, I think it would be iffy. And if I accidently chart a whole long bit on the wrong pt, I usually write "error, wrong pt" so it's explained why I crossed out such a large amount. CYA right?

[kaseysmom, LPN]

The mistake needs to have a line through it with the nurses initals and her title (ec: M.M. LPN) signed above or somewhere in the vacinity

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I was taught to write error and still write it. A lawyer isn't going to be looking at your notes if he's not looking for trouble, so the word error isn't going to matter, imo because the lawyers already looking with a fine toothed comb.

But as was stated above, maybe things have chagned?

[SmilingBluEyes]

I draw a line and mark "error" still. I dont' think it's a bad practice/habit.

[saskrn]

I was trained to draw a line through the mistake and write "error". But then I was "updated" and told to draw a line through the mistake and write "omit". I guess writing the word "error" admits to making a mistake, and you don't want to do that for legal reasons. So now, I draw a line through it and write "omit". And of course I initial it as well. I almost forgot about that! lol

[RN-PA, RN]

We no longer write "error" but write "delete" next to what was crossed out with one line and our initials are written next to it.

[Mystery5]

I was taught to write error, but at a recent inservice they told us to cross it out with one line and initial it, but not to write error. I think that's the latest legal recommendation. They included that in what abbreviations are now acceptable and which are no nos.