I'm lost without my clipboard! How can I remedy this?

Published

Specializes in Med surg, Renal, & PACU.

I'm a new nurse with one year of experience, working on a med surg renal floor. I feel I've progressed a lot in this first year, but still have a ton to learn. There is one thing that really bothers me, though. I'll usually have 6 or 7 patients each shift. I have all of my patients' info (from report, and notes taken as the night goes on) on my clipboard. For the life of me, I can't usually remember details about some of the patients without looking at my notes!I'm talking room numbers of assigned patients, diagnoses, who has fluids infusing, who has a foley, who is on tele, who is npo, etc. Now, as soon as I glance at my notes, I suddenly remember my interaction with them, and of course it's written there. But this is very troublesome for me. If I'm asked a question by the charge nurse, or I have to take a call from a doctor, I have to have my notes in front of me!!! Other RN's with similar experience don't seem to have this issue. Did anyone else ever start out with this problem? What can I do to improve my memory with details for 7 patients? When will it get better?I should include the fact that I started out late in this profession, and I am 57. I've been told by coworkers and supervisors that I'm a very thorough, good nurse. I've had no other cognitive or memory problems outside of this. I'm thinking that at 57, maybe brain cells are starting to die off!!!! Any responses or advice will be welcomed, thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Hemodialysis.

I don't see this as a bad thing but maybe it is because I am the same way. I have my trusty clip board with brain sheets for each pt.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I always have to have my brain sheet with me; however, I find it easier to remember those details if I have taken care of the same patient(s) before. My coworkers are good about looking at the assignment sheet the night before and giving back the patients you had (if they're still there/if you want them back ;)). Now, I have gotten better with remembering the details compared to when I first started 7 months ago, but again, I prefer to have my brain on me. I feel lost without it! :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

I've never seen any nurse work without some type of brain sheet. You shouldn't feel bad about it. It's impossible to remember everything over the course of that many hours. My brain sheet is the only way I can stay on top of everything for every patient.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you expect too much. Everyone I work with has a brain sheet of one sort or another. It is a lot easier if you have the same pt for several days. Even those who seem not need to look at notes can be found to be messing up from time to time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We use computerized charting in my ER and if I need to discuss a patient with someone I frequently pull up their chart on the computer to refer to.

I started out trying to use a clipboard like I did in nursing school, but in the ER it was more of a hindrance than a help (turnover is so fast that I'd have to spend a ton of time fixing my patient list to reflect the new patients, and it was a pain to carry around) so I had to get better about remembering some details without it. It does help that nearly all of the time our room assignments are for a regular block of rooms, and we usually have 4 patients rather than 7-8. And the workflow is different- I don't have much that I have to plan out because it all needs to be done as it's ordered which I think is easier in some ways than having to remember to do something in a few hours.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.
I always have to have my brain sheet with me; however, I find it easier to remember those details if I have taken care of the same patient(s) before. My coworkers are good about looking at the assignment sheet the night before and giving back the patients you had (if they're still there/if you want them back ;)). Now, I have gotten better with remembering the details compared to when I first started 7 months ago, but again, I prefer to have my brain on me. I feel lost without it! :lol2:

This, especially the thing about having the same patients. If I have all new-to-me patients, don't expect quick answers from me until I've had them on Day 2!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's why it's called your BRAIN! It's no coincidence

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've heard mythical stories about a nurse that didn't need a paper in front of her. I still think they are mere legend. Embrace your brain sheet.

If MD or charge nurse or someone asks, if I don't know 100% for sure, I'll say to them, "Let me check my brain, I don't want to be confused and accidentally lie to you." They can't fault me for being "careful."

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would not be able to remember every detail about 7 patients either, heck, only 5 is a lot when you consider all the little details about each one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

What messes me up considerably is when there is a room change for one of the patients I've had at least two days in a row! Someone will call out the old room number, and I'll be like, "That's my patient. Wait. No, it isn't! Carry on..."

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion