Electronic Documentation for the NICU

We use a program that was called QS, and since the latest upgrade now has the GE icon. It's used by L & D, post partum and newborn care in both areas, NICU and pediatrics. We've been charting on it for maybe 3 years. In general, I like it. It's always a work in progress, which is good. The babies are linked to the moms from delivery, and basic info crosses over to the baby chart. We do all our charting in the same program, admit assessment, flow sheet, safety checks, care plans, rand card. The program calculates calories, intake and output, from our IV fluids, feedings and urine output without us having to do math at shift change. Even TPN with the different quantities of dextrose and trophamine will calculate out! Night shift nurses love that! The RN who has modified this program has done an excellent job. Our RT's chart in the same program.

Unfortunately, it is time consuming, especially when you have to chart every hour. Not everything can be added has a "normal value", which can be the quickest way to chart. It is a big improvement on our paper charting, I would never want to go back to that!