Charting for another nurse

FLArn · Oct 18, 2009

RUN FAST NOW ---- You NEVER EVER chart anything you didn't do yourself. Computer charting is date/time stamped with the date and time the entry was actually made and the identity of the person actually making the entry. You might as well mail your license to the state right now if you participate in this.

SunnyAndrsn · Oct 18, 2009

I started a new job at an adult day health center. The director is telling me I need to chart for the LVN because she is older and unwilling to learn how to chart on the computer. Mind you, I am not with her when she does her patient care, but I am asked to chart for her, using a post it note that she used to jot down info while seeing the patient. I am a new grad and need advice. My common sense says NO WAY, but the director is insisting I do it. Am I playing with fire, and should I quit?

Shame on that director! Who is above her that you can report her to? Yes, this is playing with fire and you should quit.

neonatal_nurse · Oct 18, 2009

Wow, tough stuff!

Ask your fellow staff nurses if they were asked to do the same thing and what they did. First of all, if it's in the job description of the LVN to chart, SHE has to do it-- otherwise she's getting paid for not doing it, and you, my dear with all your 10 million responsibilities, have to add HER responsiblities which is charting. Can you actually imagine the workload you have? And what will happen if you get caught? I bet she won't even be in the picture to save your ass.

caliotter3 · Oct 18, 2009

Agree with both previous posts. Don't allow yourself to be placed in this position because the DON refuses to deal with another nurse's laziness. She is the one who should be on the hot seat, not you. Good luck finding another job.

mominsd · Oct 18, 2009

Thank you for the reply! My thoughts too. My common sense keeps telling me its wrong, but the director keeps telling me its ok because I need to co sign the LVN's notes anyway. By the way, in Calif an RN does not need to co-sign. I'm not returng to this place.

Batman24 · Oct 18, 2009

Never risk your license. This DON should know better than to even ask. Good for you as a new grad not to be pressured into something you know is wrong. Shame on them. If you can't chart for yourself you should be fired and this DON should be given the boot along with the LVN.

Ruthiegal · Oct 18, 2009

Never, ever, never do that.... run away.... or tell the boss the older LVN needs to learn.... Never chart for someone else ever!!!! Your instint is right.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Oct 18, 2009

I am only in school but they have drilled into our head about never charting for anyone and not leaving blank spaces when we chart.

caliotter3 · Oct 18, 2009

Good for you for being aware that in CA RNs do not have to countersign LVNs. You may find that it isn't unusual for supervisors up the chain to try to pull the wool over your eyes. And they will do it even to the experienced nurses if they think you are gullible enough.

mominsd · Oct 18, 2009

Thank you for the advice and confirmation. I am not gullible and I see right through them! I knew my insticts were right. Thanks again!

Straydandelion · Oct 18, 2009

Am I playing with fire

Yes, refuse to do it.

What also bothers me is this wasn't brought up BEFORE you were hired. If this LPN can't deal with computer charting, there may be a lot of places she can no longer work since a lot are going toward that.