How do you avoid getting your patients info mixed up in your head?

[emmaroseRN]

I'm a new grad I've been working for a few weeks under my preceptor, and I take 7 patients on med surg. It's actually pretty doable and almost fun, but I always get my patients mixed up in my head. Every time a doctor asks me a question about my patient I'm flipping through all my papers to figure out how to answer. Sometimes I say the wrong thing to the wrong patient because I got them mixed up. Any tips for me?

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Take your time when answering questions.  When referring to your patients use their last name instead of the room number. Try not to think of your patients as the patient in room 4 with issue.  

It will take time to get used to your patients and diagnosis 

[Bonnie Piper]

I always had a folded sheet of paper in my pocket with the room #s and last names. I kept short notes throughout the shift. Things that were important, like Rm 524 - Smith - Rhythm Sinus Tachy - Walked Hall - Pain meds - etc. I abbreviated a lot and kept my abbreviations consistent so that I would remember. I kept that paper updated all shift an kept it neat so that when I pulled it out of my pocket I could look at it quickly. The next day, I start a fresh sheet of paper. You will start remembering. It will get easier. Whatever you do, don't let the doc see you frustrated...take a deep breath and answer him/her as calmly as you can.