How to use map to plot SN visits?

paddler · Dec 7, 2011

I think my prior agency did it with this: http://www.mapquest.com/routeplanner

I just use my GPS. I gave up on trying to "optimize" my day because invariably one person would need to be seen at one time and another later, even though it would have been more efficient and convenient for me to see them at different times and in a different order. It just wasn't working. So therefore, I backtrack a lot depending on patient needs.

Good luck!

homehealth_rn · Dec 9, 2011

I used mapquest when I first started. Now I'm pretty familiar with my area and never have to use mapquest. Mapquest will give several different routes and give you the travel times so that you can figure out which will be the most efficient.

Isabelle49 · Dec 14, 2011

It helps when you see pretty much the same group of patients weekly. If your group changes weekly, it would help if you knew the area well and could visualize where they are.

LaRN · Mar 25, 2012

paddler, that is indeed a pain to have to backtrack, but I don't do it these days unless I absolutely HAVE to. If a patient wants to be seen at a certain time simply for their convenience and it causes me to have to re-route, I tell them I can't. Fuel is too expensive.

Dr's appts are sometimes a problem because nurses don't always communicate these things or even try to find out. Some nurses call their patients at the beginning of the week and find that info out so that way there's no surprises and last minute route changes. and heaven forbid you do schedule your visit on their beauty shop day.