Prep Time Priorities

[goal:traumaEDRN]

Hello, I am a 4th semester nursing student and I want to create a little cheat sheet for myself to help me with quick prep. I want some input from you RN's to help me sort and not miss anything. I want to prioritize a list, and put it into practice when I look through a chart while prepping before report. I am in California at a hospital that uses Cerner charting.

Here is what I have so far, please add/comment what your priorities are in gathering info during prep. Top of list is higher priority, bottom is lower.

Name, age, sex, LOS, code status, MD

Main problem, hx related to problem

Tele monitor? K/Mg protocols?

Tubes/drains (trach, foley, CT, etc)

VS, O2 (lpm, via)

IV (SL, cont., etc)

FSBS? Wound care?

Labs

MAR/Meds (sched., next, PRN)

Diet, last BM, activity

My thought process is, if very short on time, prep top half list, get report, get rest info during assessment. I want to get myself in a habit to automatically check all these things always, but first I need to design a good plan to follow. What do you look for when prepping?

Thank you in advance!!

[___Mimi__]

There are some really good report sheets on the site. You can organize your day/patient using those; then consult/read off that sheet.

[goal:traumaEDRN]

Thank you, I will take a look at those, do they sort by priority?

[oceangirl1234]

1) Name, room number, diagnosis, code status, allergies

2) Diet

3) Activity level

4) VS

5) IV therapy

6) Meds

7) Tests/precoedures

8) Extra info (ie. tubes/drains, abnormal lab values, bgl monitoring)

That's what I have on my cheat sheet for each patient. I prioritize as I am going through our written report and creating my cheat sheet. Within the first 15-20 minutes of my shift I go lay eyes on my patient. I introduce myself, see if they are in any pain/experiencing nausea, have any concerns, and are in general doing okay. That will help me to determine who I need to go assess first.

[___Mimi__]

Yes, I think they're actually broken down into med/surg 5 patients, med/surg 6 pts, ICU 2 its, etc.