Workload Measurement

[RNAnnjeh, MSN, CNS]

Hello all....

Big debate within our APN group. A few of us (1 NP and 2 CNS out of 14 APNs) have to fill out a workload measurement tool, and the rest of us do not. Two use a paper form and one an online program that was developed for Social Workers. I have a few questions for this group to comment on:

1. Do you use a workload measurement tool?

2. Which one?

3. Does it accurately reflect the work that a CNS does?

Any comments/feedback related to workload measurement is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

RNAnnjeh

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Okay, am unsure of exactly what you mean. I care for chronic dialysis patients at two geographically separated units with a total of 200 patients. I must see these 200 patients three times per month (at a minimum). I also take care of any other needs they have (infection, referrals, pain management,etc).

I bill at 85% of the MD rate, so for my billing purposes, I have to keep a paper log of who I see and when I see them. Since I do two different kinds of visits, called a long or short visit, I track this too.

This is then turned in at the end of the month and then my visits are billed.

[RNAnnjeh, MSN, CNS]

Thanks Trauma.

In Canada, CNS' do not bill for service. The staff RNs use a workload measurement tool (e.g. GRASP) that shows where they spent their direct patient care hours. My group of CNS' do not currently do that, as we do not have a tool that accurately reflects the different types of work we do (consultations, time spent with families, research, teaching, etc).

I thought I'd throw this question out to see what others do (or don't).

Thanks again for your feedback.

Cheers,

RNAnnjeh