computer charting

jennyfyre · Feb 27, 2007

I am a unit coordinator on a Peds/gyn unit and we use computer charting. For the most part, I'd have to say it's fairly easy to get the hang of, but rather difficult if one isn't used to computers at all. We also have clinician order entry and that has been an absolute pain in the hiney to get all the docs on board with it. Once they get the hang of it, it's pretty good... but dragging them into it is awful. It's also not so nice for me when I have to call them to tell them they ordered something wrong.. or on the wrong patient, or to double check that the test they ordered is going to give them the info they need. One time I had to call a doc who yelled at me for telling him he was in error, but I was fairly certain (even with out a MD or nursing degree) that the 4 yr old BOY he entered the order on didn't need a pregnancy test for RSV!! To his credit, he did apologize after he realized he in fact ordered it on the wrong patient. My personal issue with it is that the nurses have to nurse review each order... but often don't actually read the content. Like IV rates changing... or whatever. I can't tell you how many times they page a doc to get an INT order for an IV, only to be told by the doc that they entered the order already. They check the Kardex, where I've changed it already (figuring if they reviewed it.. they are aware of it).. and gripe at me for not telling them about it before they paged the doc, nevermind I had no idea they were paging them! Ahhh.. the frustration. The main benefit for us is that I can call up all the vitals and the assessments and report them to the docs if they call about them. Better than pulling the nurse out of a room just to the the doc that Mrs. So-n-so's BP is normal.

Don't worry though.. you'll get the hang of it!

oMerMero · Feb 27, 2007

Once you get the hang of it, computer charting is awesome. In the long run, it saves time and energy, and you can always read everything--you don't have to figure out other peoples bad writing. Give it some time, you will get the hang of it. You just need to play around with the computer program in order to learn it. Eventually you will wonder how you survived without the computer!

10MG-IV · Jul 22, 2008

you will get the hang of it, just don't curse where the client can hear you. :no:

Just started as a new grad. THey have computer charting. It looks like it would be wonderful after you get the hang of it. I feel pretty overwhelmed by it right now, I am sure it will fall into place. Anyone out there do computer charting and do you like it or not?

chinBSN_RN · Jul 22, 2008

It will be frustrating at first, but once you get used to it you will love it! Safe too especially if you use bar codes to give medications. But there are some things i don't like, first my eyesight is not as good five years ago.(My husband told me it has nothing to do with the computer, its age!! :bugeyes: )second, I started a new job, and my new facility still use paper charting, I cannot chart the way I am suppose to because I am so used to having choices on what to document, now I have to actually think!:uhoh21:

Seriously, there are some good and bad, main thing is your comfort level, it will be months before you get used to it. Some nurses that i trained loved it, and some quit. What would really help is to attend a formal training.