Focus Charting

[siramadp]

I am in my first year as a nurse in Puerto Rico. I am working in a cardiac unit where we document using narrative style. The hospital announces us that we are going to change to focus charting because they are planning in two to three years to change to computer charting so they need to us to know how to document in focus charting. No matter they are giving to us information and seminars we all in my unit are scared:o :o because is so hard to think in a focus to start the documentation and to split it in DAR way. May be some one can help me with a well developed list of focus that you are actually using. Thanks and excuse my english that is just my second language

[imanedrn]

Wow, after reading everyone's posts, I am SO thankful to be at a hospital that uses computerized exception charting. I can add notes to each "exception" area. For example, if I say the pt's cardiovascular system is NOT normal, it goes into a bunch of fields that prompt you for information: heart rate, pulses, edema - most anything you can think of. Anything else, you can add in the "comment" box at the end. I've been told that, as a new grad, I actually chart TOO much. For example, I'll include the pt's tele box # in the comment section or include "no complaints or additional problems noted." All of that makes life MUCH easier to chart on my patients - esp. when we reassess. It sounds like the ways you all mentioned (that I learned in school and never used much outside of clinical reports...) are great for making you actually think like a nurse (I feel like I'm taking the easy way out!), but it also sounds very cumbersome.

[seyd]

Your job would be much easier if u would prefer using NANDA. because all that you need about making chart is right there. you just have to know what to prioritize when making a diagnosis. hope this helps

[walkingNANDA]

hi!! i just want to inquire from you guys. it is possible that Narrative charting and focus charting can be recorded simultaneously. and if that practice has been done already; can somebody please tell me what specific term are they using in that particular documentation?!! thank you very much. i am having my research on this particular topic.:typing i was tasked to bring a report on that matter. :nuke::nuke: God Speed!!