Difficulty reading handwritten orders?

itsmejuli · Apr 19, 2012

Don't feel bad, I've been working with the same MDs for almost a year and still can't read all of their writing.

I get another nurse to read the order and sometimes a second nurse.

Sheryl18 · Apr 20, 2012

This happens quite a bit to me too, I always ask another nurse and if I have to I call the Dr to clarify. I'd rather call and ask than guess. I really wish they would write neater or type their orders.

notmanydaysoff · Apr 20, 2012

I've been in nursing less than a year. Many of the nurses I work w/have been at it for decades. I take their lead when I can't decipher an order. ASK! Like a PP said, asking another nurse is a good idea.

But better yet, if possible, ask the writer of said order.

Sometimes, especially after working w/certain MDs, PAs, or NPs, it becomes easier to understand their scratch. Other times it's pretty much next to impossible to figure out. I absolutely love it when, after being asked for claification, they look at me and say that they're not even sure what they wrote! Most are good natured and will help you. It's not news to them that their handwriting stinks.