Do you carry a clipboard

misti_z · Feb 20, 2005

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.

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

It would be great to stick our notebooks side by side. On the inside of the front cover I've got dept #s, MD #s, etc. I have a pocket also (first thing when you open it up) that contains blank forms, protocols, care plan.

Great minds what.....????

Emendieta, RN · Feb 20, 2005

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

Do they have special programs for nurses??? could you please tell me the brand you use??

Thanks..

:bow:

KimberRN1 · Feb 20, 2005

I work in the ICU and we have "bedside" for each room.....it has what we need in it for the day....the MAR...nurses notes....graphics etc..... I know it's different that being on the floor where everything is kept in the chart...If I have labs due or accuchecks...I'll write in pencil at the top of the hour a reminder.......But I will say that I see more and more nurses using PDAs...I've considered getting one for myself ....they're real handy for looking up meds ...they also have alarms and places for notes.... I think eventually we might all have them.....

nursemat · Feb 20, 2005

Do they have special programs for nurses??? could you please tell me the brand you use??
Thanks..

i have a pocket pc from dell and there is a SLEW of nursing software evrythign from drug guides to drip calculators

just check this out for a sample of skyscape product which i find some of the best software

http://www.skyscape.com/estore/store.aspx?WT.mc_id=18886

Mat

DelightRN · Feb 20, 2005

I carry a clipboard, but only so I can carry around pictures of my babies. :wink2:

rn-jane · Feb 21, 2005

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 could not work without a clipboard! I have the type that opens and keep all my small equip in there, important papers(drug info calculations). I make up a report sheet and keep on the front for all info i need when i talk with docs, families ect. I'b be lost without one.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 21, 2005

Yes I do. I call it "my brain".

sparkyRN · Feb 21, 2005

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

Just curious...does your hospital or HCF have any issues with you putting pt info in a personal PDA? I'm wondering about the big buzzword-Patient Confidentiality.

Do you delete all the things you put in at the end of your shift?

saintlouis · Feb 21, 2005

I, too, am a clipboard junkie.

But I've been looking at the PDA's... big selling point is the quick reference to a drug guide, but I've seen a few programs that will keep track of pt. info- vitals, labs, etc. that you need to carry around. Seems like it would be easier to slip into your pocket, less easier to loose (I set my clipboard down and the race is on to find it, but I USUALLY know where my pants are...), and has the added bonus of being able to take an MP3 file of some very soothing music for when things really get screwy.

Anyone else switch to the PDA thingy's? What works, what doesn't?

Perhaps we should start a new forum....

Student in stl

dknunges · Feb 21, 2005

I always carry a clipboard when I work. Mine is bright pink and has a calculator on the top.(Hard to loose or anyone to walk off with) Comes in handy having it right there with your "brain" and not having to look for one...

pediatriclpn · Feb 22, 2005

I tried cheat sheets, notebooks, and found the clipboard with my cheat sheet worked the best for me. I worked LTC, kept it on the med cart with the mar's flipped over it so no one could see it when I was away from it. Did not carry it into rooms with me, cross contamination issue, and didn't leave it anywhere I would lose it. Worked home care, had one that kept all my pens, etc. in it. Good Luck finding what works best for you!

luvdancink · Feb 22, 2005

thanks for all the great responses. I'll stick with my cheat sheet for now.

~Kristy