computer charting experience required for travel?

tarheelpenguin · Sep 13, 2010

Hi Seaglass, I would say 98% of the places I've worked has had computer charting. I don't think its a requirenent that you have experience with computers charting as long as you're able to pick up quickly on their systems. With only 1 day of orientation to learn the floor, charting, and that floor protocols and procedures... you have to be able to adapt fast. I also only work l&d so this may be different for you specialty.

tryingtolearn · Jan 3, 2013

I started traveling after working at a facility for two years with no computer charting. It was truly horrible. I consider myself to be a good nurse but what I walked into was impossible without SOME computer charting experience. Like the other response said, you are expected to be able to work with usually a one day orientation. I was on a med-surg floor and while the care itself was fine, the computer system was not. I am very good at picking up on computer stuff so I didnt think it would be a problem. The charting itself was not so bad, it was the flow of the day that I could not understand and no one seemed to know what I was asking. With a paper chart, you have something to do a chart check with...with a computer, while the chart is there, I was never really sure how to do a chart check with it. I never knew how I was supposed to know to check for new orders and meds either. During the day the doctors would add orders from their office or wherever and I only ever actually SAW one doctor on the floor the entire 12 hours! It just blew my mind. That assignment ended that night. LOL I could not understand how the system itself worked as far as knowing when to do what, and since no one could or would explain that to me, I didnt go back! I hope your experience is better than mine was