epic documentation system

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 7, 2016

Has your facility provided instruction? When mine went live with Epic, we had all completed 16 hours of training on the system. We also had assistance from many Epic employees who were there to help troubleshoot for the first 2 weeks and gradually decreased their presence during weeks 3 and 4. Several employees were also chosen to be superusers who did not have a patient assignment but were available to help those who did with the documentation.

If your facility hasn't provided you with the information you're asking about, they are setting themselves up for a huge failure.

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2016

Didn't you guys have an epic class? and do you have super users? I just had my first class today (nd I have experience with Epic) and still have a few more to go. Each of our units has at least 2 super users (well 4 if you count the manager and the CUE). The week of go-live we will also have epic trainers on the units.

I agree with Rose Queen, your facility is setting themselves up for failure if they don't train their employee's first.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Sep 7, 2016

You are getting WAY ahead of yourself on this. The facility will schedule paid hours for the staff to learn the new EMR. I have seen staff scheduled off for many days for Epic training :rolleyes: . The truth is , Epic is very user friendly and a breeze to learn. I learned the basics in 4 hours on a travel job and could document correctly.

DEEP breaths.. let us know it went.

roser13, ASN, RN · Sep 7, 2016

"Clear and simple" navigating tips can only come from your facility's super users. Every Epic system is personalized.

My tips from my system would mean nothing to you on your system.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 7, 2016

I have worked with a couple different implementations of Epic and generally the system is easy to use and learn. I was a student the last time I had to use Epic and we were given a 4 hour block of time for training on the system. After that, we were generally able to do our documentation fairly easily. There should also be SuperUsers on every floor who have more in-depth training and experience in how to use the system so they should be able to help you find what you need when you're working "live".

Epic really isn't all that difficult to work with. You'll likely do fine once you've had your in-service training on this system.

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Sep 8, 2016

I work in Informatics and build in the Epic system. You will receive training prior to the go-live and there are tip sheets available from your trainers and/or informatics department. If you are unsure just contact them and they will be glad to instruct you on any part of the system. Your version of Epic is built specifically for your facility and may not be the same as other facilities but they are generally very similar. Once you get the hang of it, it's actually a great time saver. It just takes time learning new things. It looks confusing but eventually it will make sense. In Patient Lists you should be able to make your own list and assign your patients to that list so you can easily find them. Ask your trainers to go over that with you. Good luck!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 8, 2016

We are getting ready to go live with this system. I'm an older nurse and am dreading this. I can't figure out how to choose my pts...do you just click on then from Patient Lists? And I can't seem to find where to document an IV start. I work in a fast pacedcath lab environment where we admit, prep, recover, and discharge pts all day long. Does anyone have any clear and simple tips for navigating these basic areas? I can learn more advanced stuff after I master the basics. Any ideas?

During your go-live (how soon is it?), there should be Epic trainers in your unit for on-the-spot assistance. They will not just throw you in there. It sounds like you've already had some training with Epic because you have very specific concerns; did they hand out some tip sheets during your training? Do you have a test area you can practice in on the computer? Contact your Epic trainers or get with your unit superusers, they can help you. Epic is one of the better systems, I have used many and it's probably on of the least painful. Good luck!! :)