EPIC documentation check list

[kagmc]

I am a new grad who started working in a hospital with EPIC a month ago. Due to to complexity of the charting, being ESL, and a 2 finger typer, I was given 2 weeks to get my charting done with accuracy and in adequate speed, or I will be let go.

Any suggestions on a good check list to help with this? Also with education, discharge, admit notes? I'd be most grateful for any & all help.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

EPIC, like many documentation systems, is multi-leveled, and has options and enhancements that may or may not be implemented by your facility. My last institution had multiple rollouts, adding different features every 6 months or so, so it's hard to know where your system is at.

What in particular are you having problems with?

I'd work with your manager to see if you can either get additional training, perhaps 1:1, or else buddy you with another nurse to show you the shortcuts. Most places have EPIC Super-users who know the system backwards & forwards.

[eleectrosaurus]

You need additional training, now! You can't be expected to learn the short cuts on your own, epic is clear as mud for a new user. Kinda harsh you got an ultimatum like that.

[RNewbie]

Talk to the IT department or someone who does epic training for new employees. Maybe you can attend training again. Also, they usually have booklets or handouts on step by step charting. I have worked with one epic system that had an area under a tab called "8 hr audit." It shows you everything that you still need to chart on. If that doesn't work ask your unit educator, nurse manager, or charge nurse for a list of everything that you are expected to chart on each shift.

[kagmc]

My biggest issues are speed of reading (English does not jump into my eyes & brain) & typing (I'm a 2 finger typer), and remembering all the components of documentation & what to put in nursing notes, and time management skills.

I HAVE to lick this thing, failing is NOT an option (if I did nobody would want to hire me after being dismissed from my 1st RN job & because having just moved to this new city & signed rental lease, etc., it would be a financial nightmare).

What I need is any shortcuts, ideas, checklists, that would help me progress fast.

Thank you.

[eleectrosaurus]

Every epic is a little bit different, thats why we are all saying you need training and extra help!

goodluck.

[Guttercat, ASN, RN]

I don't know about Epic, but Cerner is so non-intuitive it begs for end-user failure.

I don't know just whom is making millions off this crappy software buried under pages of bad code-writing added onto more layers of lazy, bad code-writing ad infinitum, but they should be shot in the head on the island they're currently retired to, whilst sipping their martinis and Pina Coladas.

[SaoirseRN]

I think Apple ought to design a computer charting program. THEN people might actually be able to use it.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I can only speak for myself, but your command of the English language is superb, as judged from 2 posts. Epic is hard enough as it is - I hope you're not making it harder by unnecessary worry about your English skills. I second everyone else's advice... Epic is set-specific. You need to find a way to obtain additional training from your Epic trainers.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

Sounds like you need to take a typing course, that will increase your speed.

[cantdoit]

you seem to understand english well enough. You probably need a typing class. I have no idea how people can get through any job without knowing how to type correctly. And even if you get let go, you'll need to know how to type for almost every hospital. It'll be worth the investment.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

Anyone...anyone who is still typing with 2 fingers needs to teach themselves how to type correctly with all 10 fingers. You're going to be typing for years; learn how to type/keyboard correctly. I don't even look at the keyboard when I type and that's not particularly excellent but will suffice. There are online free keyboard lessons. There is a definite method to the madness of how you pose your fingers when typing. Do yourself a favor and learn...take a half hour a day and just do it.

As for cheat sheets and fast help with Epic or any other EMR software perhaps but you really need more training. The EMR software is like an algebra equation. If you don't get the first part, the rest is not going to make any sense; ever. Take the time to learn.