Difficulty reading handwritten orders?

allnurses Guide · Apr 19, 2012

It will get easier as you get to know their handwriting. I always just ask someone near me to help interpret and if clarity is still a problem I call the doc/NP/PA-c.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2012

Time...only time. I agree with Not Done....Make sure you ask those with experience around you, who know their writing, what it says.....or, call them and tell them. They might not be happy but too bad. It will come in time. This is why physician computer order entry is a good thing. Try tilting the paper to the right and left. Believe it or not I used to look at them upside down as well......and sometimes they just need to be called. If they yell....ignore them.

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Apr 20, 2012

New nurse in LTC just off orientation having difficulty reading handwritten orders by
MDs & NP?
Anything I can do? Any ideas? Will it get easier?

I remember the HUC translating every handwritten order at my old LTC. I learned a lot from that very nice lady and still enjoy visiting her.

dudette10, MSN, RN · Apr 21, 2012

I was going to say it gets easier, but last night, something happened that made me question how "easy" it has become. The PM nurse and I both agreed 100% on what the order was (two different meds), and the PM nurse had transcribed it on the MAR the way we both were confident it read. The way we understood the order was within the usual dosing for both drugs. Note that neither of us actually had to use this PRN order during our shifts.

When the pharmacy-approved MAR came through this morning, half of the order was completely different. I pointed it out to the dayshift nurse, and she's going to clarify it.

So, it's yes, and no.