How to organize your "brains"

[DeeSki]

OK, so I have read that there are different ways to organize your "brains" and I believe this means your patient information that you've received on report. I have never heard it referred to this way on the floor though. Anyway, it would be great to get some advice from the experienced RNs on how to write up the sheets.

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

wickedrn said:

Britney,

What is the second box from the bottom for?

Thanks to everyone that took the time to post their worksheets. Gives me some great ideas

BOS/VS/AS/MED/NOTES/EOS

This was basically a check list for me when I first started. I don't use it now, but as I did my BOS (Beginning of shift) chart check, I would mark a line through it checking it off for that particular pt in that column.....if my vitals were charted, again I would check it off, Assessment entered into computer.. check it off, nurses notes..check it off, End of shift..check it off.

I automatically do these things now without having to have this check list to remind me. But is was very helpful during orientation.

[retronovice]

Thanks!

[Homeslice RN]

Your sheet is wonderfully done. It covers virtually all of the information one needs to keep track of during a shift. Did you come up with it on your own? I highly recommend it to others!!

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

It was one they use on my floor, I just retyped it and tweaked it a little.

On the back of my sheet, I draw columns for each room. I place a pt sticker at the bottom (just in case lab wants an MR# or something) and write my PRN meds and additional info that doesn't fit on the front page.

Thank you

[Homeslice RN]

Too funny. I was going to suggest folding the paper and making columns on the back if one needed more space for info. Thanks again.

[nursejenni08BSN]

Thanks For All The Great Ideas. I Am Having The Hardest Time Staying Organized And Ontime So I've Been Trying Out Different Brains And Trying To See What Is A Good Fit, What Feels Comfortable.... Still Hunting... But I Think I May Incoorporate `some Of The `ideas That I Have Learned From All Of You.... Thanks Again

[Agnes Anne]

I've attached (I think!)the sheets I use currently. Our pts tend to have a lot going on and report s rapid fire. I've set it up so I can circle or cross of items rather than write everything thing out... my hand writing is too BIG!! I take report in red ink and as I assess my pt's I make notes in black.

I attach a face sheet to each pt profile and stagger them vertically on my clip board so the bottom edge sticks out. In the middle box I jot the room # and first name with med times. I circle the time when I draw them up, cross it off in one direction when given and in the opposite when charted.

The shift sheet goes on top. I make each IV, dressing change, drains, test times or task, like timed draws in a time slot.

I keep playing with over time.

NEW onc face sheet 4.doc

PM shift sheet 5.doc

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

"Brains" is a common term on the floor. I got mine from my mentor. Her husband made hers I guess on excel? I just put it in the copy machine each morning to run off as many as I need for the day then stick it on my clipboard. I'm a new nurse and I just need to hug that clipboard as I'm walking around doing stuff!