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)

I have trouble keeping track of my pen let alone a clipboard. Just never got used to lugging the thing around while I was in school - it always wound up in my bag for fear I would lose it in a pt's room. To each their own - I prefer my cheat sheet.

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Cheat sheet here as well... lots of nurses do use a clip board but I prefer to travel lightly! I use black and red ink to highlight things for me and the docs and oncoming shift... to each his own. Do what makes YOU comfortable. Don't try to fit in with the others... if a clip board or notebook is not your style then don't waste your money...

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Specializes in Cardiology.

I carried a clip board until my clinical instructor warned me that I could be bringing bacteria from one pt's room to the next. Plus on the few occasions that I've forgotten where I've placed it, I think I experienced something similar to a heart attack (well not seriously, but you get my point). Now I carry a notebook that fits in my pocket. I enjoy having my hands free. And also, not looking for somewhere in the pt's room to set it down... I'm sure you know space can be very limited... Whatever works well for you though, I think you should do. :)

...Jennifer...

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Specializes in Inpatient Acute Rehab.

I gotta have my clipboard!!! It is my "brain"!!!!!

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Specializes in pediatric neuro/neurosurg/rehab.

I carry my clipboard b/c it's like a tray when I deliver meds. There are also handy lab values and drug level info on the clipboard. I don't recommend the one with the calculator b/c i heard that it goes out quickly and it's more bulky. I attempted to go without the clipboard one day and it just wasn't the same.

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
I carry my clipboard b/c it's like a tray when I deliver meds. There are also handy lab values and drug level info on the clipboard. I don't recommend the one with the calculator b/c i heard that it goes out quickly and it's more bulky. I attempted to go without the clipboard one day and it just wasn't the same.

I have left my "brain" at home a time or two and I also had trouble being organized without it. I guess whatever works best for the individual is the only right answer. I once worked with an agency nurse that had every single work sheet she ever wrote on (like 100's) all put together with a rubberband, she brought them to work with her and added to her little stash everyday. I think it is an OCD issue as well as a HIPPA violation. She said to me if anyone ever asks me about a prior patient I'll have the information. I told her that's what good documentation is for. She just looked at me with a blank stare. I still say it's a matter of OCD. I'd hate to see where she lives. She probably saves everything she's ever touched, really sad when you think about it.

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PDA best thing ever invented, I use mine so much i can't function with out it.

There is patients charts that you can customize and alarms you can set to remind you that a patient needs meds to check labs the whole works

Mat

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i use a clipboard as well.

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I use a spiral notepad that fits in my pocket. The sheets go in the shredder at the end of my shift.

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, ED.

For those if you who have cheat sheets, I would love to know what you put on them. How are they organized? I am a real "list person" and have made a jillion versions of cheat sheets for myself and I still don't think I have it 'right".

So, whats on YOUR cheat sheet?

Jen

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Of course! I couldn't live without my clipboard! However, I also work nights and yes, I'm often leaving it lay somewhere, and then forgetting where I put it!

If you work days and are often approached by docs, I'd recommend either a PDA, or just simply a folded up piece of paper (like my friend Barb uses :) ) to keep all of your info on.

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No clipboard for me............I did try it but was always leaving it somewhere. So I just started keeping a little pocket notebook. Worked out good.

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