Help with organization

Published

Hello

I am a new nurse and was wondering if any of you could help me find a good organizational chart/tool to manage 4 - 5 patients. I am having a hard time keeping everything organized so that i don't forget to do things, would like to be able to type it up and print out several copies so i can use them daily at work.

Thanks in Advance

Maegen

Specializes in orthopedics, ED observation.

I work on an ortho floor w/ critical care pathways in place for each type of patient we see. This made organizing much easier for me, but what I did was: I typed up a list of things that most patients needed per shift, including meds, therapies and personal care type items, leaving space for name, room number, diagnosis, etc. Then, at report time each day I make note of the time that scheduled things are due (next IV bag hung, pain med due, etc.) and cross off the list things that do not need to been done for that patient (either already completed or not relevant to their dx). I also add to my list additional assessments or scheduled meds/events that are unique to a specific pt's treatment. Then as the shift progresses, I check things off my list as they are completed, making a note of the time if relevant (and not otherwise already documented on the MAR, etc.) This sheet of paper also make a handy place to quick write down a set of vitals or I&O's if I quickly stop in a room w/o a chart. I have the list condensed to 4 pt/ half sheet of paper (2 front and 2 back) but can use a whole sheet if need be for shifts w/ 5 or 6 pts. The PP who mentioned using the pre-printed pt stickers had a great suggestion, I'll be considering if I can place those on my sheet - Thanks!

Hope this is helpful to someone! :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Psych, M/S.

I also appreciate these tips.......i need all the help i can get!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

Look at all the nurses' brains at work to get ideas and think of what categories you need to keep track of. I have a basic brain which gets modified with every new job. I have it on my computer so I can easily modify it and print it. I make room for 6 patients on one side of the 8x11 sheet, with headings along the top. Headings I've had are Patient/Room, Assessment, O2/IV/Drains/Wounds, Pain, IO, VS, Tasks/Notes, Med Times. Things I need to remember are circled in red, such as central lines (so I remember to give IV meds in 10 cc syringe), PCA (more frequent checks), and wounds (again, check frequently). I use the back of the sheet for writing down notes about MD calls or anything else where I need more room. Items are crossed off when done - or time written in if I am at a job where I have to document later in the computer. Then the item is crossed off as the documentation is done.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

see if any of these work for you:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion