How much paper work is involved in being an RN?

Aly529 · Apr 29, 2011

I am currently studying to become a RN nurse and I was wondering, once you're already in the field (not while in school or applying for school/jobs, filing taxes, etc. I expect a lot of paper work for those) how much paper work do you have to do on the job? Part of the reason why I chose to become a nurse in the first place is because I pictured it being more physical work and working directly with patients as opossed to doing tons of paper work and technical filing (Isn't that the doctor's,medical assistant's,medical biller/coder's job?). I just read a post from a LVN (I know RN and LVN aren't the same thing but, they are similar in some ways) and he complained about how much paper work he had to do as a LVN. I really would like to avoid paper work as much as possible and I was wondering if this is something I have to put up with when I go into the field? I really hope I get more time with patients and other things when I become a nurse rather then be buried to my elbows in paper. Thanks:nurse:
Oh, and if it makes a difference my goal is to work in the N.I.C.U as either an RN or NP (with focus in Neonatal care).

Hi.

I would post this in the General RN program so you can get more answers from working RN's. Most of us are pre-rn students like you.

Anyway, I'll give you the answer I think is most true.

There is paperwork but most is moving towards being electronically entered like charts and such. It all depends where you work (not unit but whether it's a large hospital or small clinic). There will be paperwork regardless. Patients have files and you need to document what you see or what you've done.

And, no it's not so much medical coding and billing, dr's or medical assistants, cna etc's job. It is also part of their job but not just their job. No one will do it for you in other words. They have their own to do.

No matter where you go in the medical field you are likely to have some documenting that you need to do whether it be electronic (like scanning the medicine to input into the patient chart) or good old pen and paper.

Also, if you read some of the general nurse's posts, a lot of them mention they feel they need more time with some patients but don't have it since they have more then 3 (unless ICU) or they have charting to catch up to.

wannabenurse14 · May 1, 2011

Hi.
I would post this in the General RN program so you can get more answers from working RN's. Most of us are pre-rn students like you.
Anyway, I'll give you the answer I think is most true.
There is paperwork but most is moving towards being electronically entered like charts and such. It all depends where you work (not unit but whether it's a large hospital or small clinic). There will be paperwork regardless. Patients have files and you need to document what you see or what you've done.
And, no it's not so much medical coding and billing, dr's or medical assistants, cna etc's job. It is also part of their job but not just their job. No one will do it for you in other words. They have their own to do.
No matter where you go in the medical field you are likely to have some documenting that you need to do whether it be electronic (like scanning the medicine to input into the patient chart) or good old pen and paper.
Also, if you read some of the general nurse's posts, a lot of them mention they feel they need more time with some patients but don't have it since they have more then 3 (unless ICU) or they have charting to catch up to.

I, too, am not a RN at this time, but recently sat with my older sister in the MS/ICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit) while several AWESOME nurses tended to her care. While sitting in the room I noticed the nurses recording ALL their charting via computer. I did not observe any paperwork being utilized by the assigned nurses. Now, the respiratory care specialist(s) did record ALL their information by using all sorts of paper. I totally like the fact the nurses used electronic charting as a means to record her patient information.

a.Cute.Exacerbation · May 2, 2011

I am currently studying to become a RN nurse and I was wondering, once you're already in the field (not while in school or applying for school/jobs, filing taxes, etc. I expect a lot of paper work for those) how much paper work do you have to do on the job? Part of the reason why I chose to become a nurse in the first place is because I pictured it being more physical work and working directly with patients as opossed to doing tons of paper work and technical filing (Isn't that the doctor's,medical assistant's,medical biller/coder's job?). I just read a post from a LVN (I know RN and LVN aren't the same thing but, they are similar in some ways) and he complained about how much paper work he had to do as a LVN. I really would like to avoid paper work as much as possible and I was wondering if this is something I have to put up with when I go into the field? I really hope I get more time with patients and other things when I become a nurse rather then be buried to my elbows in paper. Thanks:nurse:
Oh, and if it makes a difference my goal is to work in the N.I.C.U as either an RN or NP (with focus in Neonatal care).

Hi there! I've worked very closely to nurses both in the ER and on the Med/Surg floors in different hospitals as a registrar. For the most, nurses document vitals and patient history electronically. Usually, there is some actual paperwork involved when sending samples to the lab or upon the patient's discharge or expiration.

magichospital · May 2, 2011

I am fine with a little paper work and doing stuff electronically. My only worry is doing 50 pages of paperwork a patient. I hate clerical work.