Leaving patient info in a clipboard

[OcMurse93]

Alright, so I'm starting nursing school in a couple weeks and I'm trying to find a good clipboard to use.

During orientation they mentioned a student who left her clipboard out on the sink when she was using the bathroom. Another nurse found it and she was cited for violating hipaa and was kicked out of the program. I'm particularly forgetful in putting things down so I'm worried about something like that happening to me.

My question is: if I had a storage clipboard with a lock on it, would that prevent a hipaa violation if it was accidently left in a patients room but all sensitive info was locked inside?

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

When I worked an an LVN, I only wrote names of pts on my notes in the manner that the facility allowed. For example, there is a pt board with first name and last initial only. So I used that. Or sometimes, I just used room number and initials.

I'm in RN school now and our instructors require us to write down pt first name, last name, DOB, etc but they are very specific about requiring us to shred our brain sheets at the end of a shift.

If you keep your brain sheet in your pocket, there's less chance of leaving it where someone might find it.

Also, I never put my name on my brain sheet. That way if it was misplaced, it couldn't be traced to me.

I have seen some nurses write "confidential" on their clip boards/ binders. I'm not sure if that would be helpful in avoiding a HIPAA violation.

For what it's worth, the clip boards I've used for LVN and RN school either opened up so you could latch them closed or folded in half. My name is on the outside. No other pt info is on the outside.

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

Clipboards are way to easy to set down and forget. Keep it in your pocket !

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Bringing a clip board of notes into the bathroom is an infection risk, and really unnecessary.

There's really no information so sizable and important that you need a clip board to bring it from room to room. If you wish to bring clinical paperwork and/or make notes about your patients, do so, put the paperwork in a folder or manila envelop and leave it at the nurses' station. If there is information you need to bring into a patient's room, jot it on a small piece of paper and carry it in your pocket.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

We were not permitted to use clip boards in nursing school for a variety of reasons (size, ignoring patient to stare at papers, infection control...) 3x5 or 4x6 index cards or notepads that fit in pockets were all we were allowed. I made a template and cut it to 4x6 and had zero issues.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

Easy peasy. Being a sharpie and as soon as your print any paperwork from the emr black out all info - name dob rm# mrn etc.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

We could never bring a clip board into patient room anyway always folded report sheet and put in pocket.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

One of my instructors suggested getting a pocket size notepad that we could take notes on and easily keep in our pockets (the weight kept it from falling out). A simple folded sheet of paper can easily fall out possibly unnoticed from a scrub top pocket with all the bending and such, especially when busy.

[CountryMomma, ASN, RN]

I use a folding clipboard from whitecoat clipboards. It stays in my pocket (because it folds nicely) and it's aluminium, so it can be wiped down with cavi-wipes. I keep a full brain sheet on each pt in it.

[Karou]

I use a folding clipboard from whitecoat clipboards. It stays in my pocket (because it folds nicely) and it's aluminium, so it can be wiped down with cavi-wipes. I keep a full brain sheet on each pt in it.

I just looked this up, it looks fantastic!! Does it feel awkward/large in your pocket? I may buy myself one.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I just looked this up, it looks fantastic!! Does it feel awkward/large in your pocket? I may buy myself one.

I have a white coat clip board. It does fit in my pocket. It's a little awkward. But that's likely because I've gained some weight and my scrubs are a little snug.[emoji13]

When I was smaller and my scrubs actually fit, the clip board fit in my shirt pocket as well as my thigh pockets.

The clip boards also include lab values, which I often forget to reference. If you buy a white coat clip board, know that there are many options which drive up the cost.

I decided to get the rubber band to keep my paperwork from creasing, the pen holder, and the extra paper--which I haven't yet used. You can also get it engraved with your name and/or credentials, i.e. Jane, RN or Jane Doe, etcetera.

I see nurses with them during clinicals.

[CountryMomma, ASN, RN]

I have a white coat clip board. It does fit in my pocket. It's a little awkward. But that's likely because I've gained some weight and my scrubs are a little snug.[emoji13]

When I was smaller and my scrubs actually fit, the clip board fit in my shirt pocket as well as my thigh pockets.

The clip boards also include lab values, which I often forget to reference. If you buy a white coat clip board, know that there are many options which drive up the cost.

I decided to get the rubber band to keep my paperwork from creasing, the pen holder, and the extra paper--which I haven't yet used. You can also get it engraved with your name and/or credentials, i.e. Jane, RN or Jane Doe, etcetera.

I see nurses with them during clinicals.

I don't find it awkward other than I can't bend all the way over as it slides out. I didn't get the rubber band - turns out a paperclip works fine for me. Mine is engraved because things have been known to sprout legs and walk off. I use the ht/wt reference quite a bit.

My patients have mentioned how neat it is, how professional (I don't get it), etc. The medical residents care the MD version.