Do you carry a clipboard

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When you take report on your patients, and are making notes throughout the day, do you carry a clipboard? I'm thinking about trying it, but I have a feeling I'll let it lay and then when a doc calls, I wont have the info that I need. How do you all keep track of everything?

~Kristy (New Nurse)

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Hi. I have been a nurse for about 15 years now. I have ALWAYS carried a clipboard. I wouldn't be able to work without it. I have a report sheet that I made up and every day when I work I place a new report sheet on my clipboard, fill in the blanks during report and keep little notes on it thru my shift. I highlight my upcoming labs and the times to expect the results, the fingersticks I need to do.....It is basically my brains while I work. I hope this helps.:)

When you take report on your patients, and are making notes throughout the day, do you carry a clipboard? I'm thinking about trying it, but I have a feeling I'll let it lay and then when a doc calls, I wont have the info that I need. How do you all keep track of everything?

~Kristy (New Nurse)

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When working in hospital, yes I always used a clipboard with sheet to keep very organized.

In community - instead of a clipboard, I used a binder.

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I too am a clipboard person - harder to lose - can keep everything important together...

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When you take report on your patients, and are making notes throughout the day, do you carry a clipboard? I'm thinking about trying it, but I have a feeling I'll let it lay and then when a doc calls, I wont have the info that I need. How do you all keep track of everything?

~Kristy (New Nurse)

I am a 3rd semester nursing student, and ever since my first semester, I have always carried my clipboard. The only thing is that you tend to misplace it at times, but just be careful where you lay it, and keep it away from those that shouldn't be reading it. Other than that, it helps me stay organized without being too bulky.

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I carry a 3 ring binder with dividers. Behind each divider I put my PCAR that I take report and notes on, along with my MAR and Nurse's Notes behind that. I would not be able to function without it. My favorite part of it all is the plastic cover to my notebook where I keep pictures of my daughter--my drive to get through the day.

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yep, I carry a flip-top clip board. It holds all my pens, highlighters, dry erase markers, pencils, etc. Can't live without it.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Wound Care.

Nope, no clipboard. I keep everything in my pocket! Less information for "prying" eyes to see if left unattended!

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

Without my clipboard I am useless..LOL! I have to write down notes and such in my facility and list my treatments and what not on the top in order so that I can really prioritize my care (I am one floor nurse to 160 patients in assisted living...a lot to do!).

As far as wondering eyes, as I saw one poster state...and very valid reason for being aware of clipboards...one must always keep them near, or do what I do...anytime I put it down I flip it so all that is written is facing downwards so no one can see it (and for me within my reach for wandering hands not to get)! LOL, my CNA and fellow LN's giggle at me saying that my clipboard is more protected by me than my own purse..and for those who have ever touched it without my consent...well it is like when my kids get into my purse..I get testy! LOL!!!!!

Another thing to watch for is it can be a cross contamination factor, so really watch where you set that down, and I do wash mine frequently (I find plastic is much better than that wood, that wood just doesn't clean as easy).

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
When you take report on your patients, and are making notes throughout the day, do you carry a clipboard? I'm thinking about trying it, but I have a feeling I'll let it lay and then when a doc calls, I wont have the info that I need. How do you all keep track of everything?

~Kristy (New Nurse)

I carry a binder. 1" wide with a plastic cover. I call it "my brain". I put family photo's under the plastic cover. They're like $2.00 at Wally World. I have large clip on the front to keep my report notes and new orders on. Inside I have copies of protocols, doctors numbers, copies of blank forms I use. I am constantly being asked to look at my brain because they want to check a protocol or my med list (IV compatibles) or doctors numbers. It works wonderful for me. I keep it with me. 29 years, haven't lost it yet. I turn it upside down away from prying eyes if I have to leave it on the desk for a while.

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Specializes in rehab, antepartum, med-surg, cardiac.
I carry a binder. 1" wide with a plastic cover. I call it "my brain". I put family photo's under the plastic cover. They're like $2.00 at Wally World. I have large clip on the front to keep my report notes and new orders on. Inside I have copies of protocols, doctors numbers, copies of blank forms I use. I am constantly being asked to look at my brain because they want to check a protocol or my med list (IV compatibles) or doctors numbers. It works wonderful for me. I keep it with me. 29 years, haven't lost it yet. I turn it upside down away from prying eyes if I have to leave it on the desk for a while.

I carry a clipboard which I also refer to as "my brain". Sometimes I have to say, "Oops! I left my brain in here!" because I leave it lying in a windowsill or somewhere at the desk. :uhoh3: I have to struggle to remember to turn it upside down or to place in areas that are not easily accessible to patients or families. I take notes on it frequently re: patient assessments, requests, etc. The front sheet may look like a mess, but it's legible to me. I don't know where I would be without it!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I used to carry a clipboard, but I spent so much time looking for the damned thing, or worrying about where I put it, that it was actually a hindrance to me. Now I just carry a 'cheat sheet' with all my patient information, meds, treatments etc. and scribble notes in the margins whenever I give a PRN, need to call the MD with lab results, get a new admission etc. It lives in my pocket, so I'm never in danger of leaving it where prying eyes might see confidential information, and I put it in the shredder at the end of my shift after giving report. :)

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