How to remember everything, when giving report?

[SeaH20RN, BSN]

I just started in the ER and I know most of us use the computer to chart (we use Cerner) but does anyone keep a "brain sheet" with them? Do you use a "cheat sheet "like you would if you worked on the floor to keep notes on? Or just use pencil and paper? What's the best way to keep organized and preparing for report during transfers or change of shift so you don't FORGET anything on those crazy days. Thanks in advance!

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

We don't have computer charting. I just tell the patient's story, as I remember it, and whip through the chart as I talk to confirm I'm on the right track. I also flip through the labs as I say them, making sure I haven't missed anything.

[SeaH20RN, BSN]

Maybe because the pt. turn over is so frequent, using a plain paper is the best. i usually just write on my arm most of the time. lol!!

[SionainnRN]

I rarely use scrap or brains to get report. The turn over is so high that I tend to remember the high points and the rest is readily available by computer.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

"If you look at their chart the answer is in there"

I chart well enough that I can look at the chart and have all my answers readily available.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I have brain sheets for the floors and ICU I have never found them useful in the ED.

Brain sheet for the ED....

[SionainnRN]

I have brain sheets for the floors and ICU I have never found them useful in the ED.

Brain sheet for the ED....

Yep, that's what I grab when EMS brings in a pt or when the poop hits the fan and there's no time to open up the computer. Yay for paper towels!

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

I have brain sheets for the floors and ICU I have never found them useful in the ED.

Brain sheet for the ED....

This is me...it is worth mentioning that everything that is written on the scroll of knowledge gets charted in the electronic chart.

If there is something important enough that it needs to be passed on in report, it is charted. Get comfortable with where in the chart the important information can be found...where are VS, where are labs (do a quick review to see which ones warrant being mentioned in report--you don't need to review 50 "normal" labs--just stick with the abnormal, relevant ones), where are the radiology results--which ones are important--make sure there are no surprises in the rad results before giving report.

I don't generally find a brain sheet useful in the ED but some people do use them. They're not the formalized sheets like you see on the floors and units, they're generally just a piece of paper with some checkboxes and times.

I have brain sheets for the floors and ICU I have never found them useful in the ED.

Brain sheet for the ED....

In an emergent situation, I'm a fan of a couple pieces of 2" silk tape on my pant legs.

[PerfectlyNumb]

There is simply no time for a brain sheet. Actually, the only time I write things down is during EMS report upon patient's initial arrival….or during a code that just rolled in and the patient info isn't entered into the computer yet. I get my ambulance arrival note and assessment charted while I'm in the room, then chart everything else as it comes. I keep detailed electronic nursing notes to help jog my memory, and review these notes as I give report….next, I go through abnormal labs, what medications we gave, what access we have, VS, and imaging results. It may help you to have a blank template to follow while giving report; that way you can follow it each time you give report while simultaneously accessing the information in the computer.

[stygianabyss]

I tend to use the SOAP method for giving report, or even calling a physician on one of our floor holds. It's concise, pertinent, and gets everything you need.