LTC Cheat Sheet/Notes

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Just wondering if anyone has any ideas or examples of a cheat sheet you use to keep up with everything during your shift?

I'm thinking along the lines of two things:

1) a report sheet with needed info on residents with a check-off for when things are done

2) a little notebook with valuable info/notes for quick reference

I am new to LTC and hoping to start orientation this weekend...so I would appreciate any ideas or examples you have. Also, any information that you think I should include in my quick reference notes. Open to any and all advice!!! Thanks!

I use the report sheet to write down important stuff from report and have a second sheet that I use to cross off which residents don't have meds, in one color of highlighter, and then cross off the other names when I finish giving their meds and treatments. I also use that 2nd sheet to write down PRN's given so I can always write that stuff in later. I have also used a report sheet to write in how get their meds crushed, in applesauce, etc. It's a good idea to keep all that info handy! Never know when you might need it! Good luck!

I find a simple census list (ie a list of all residents by room number) is all I need no matter what floor I float to. And I work in a facility with 11 different wards.

For med pass, I circle the residents name once I've given them their 4pm meds. Once I give their HS meds I simply cross their name out. Then I know they are done. People who get glucoscans, vitals or have a tube feed, well just write gs, vs, tf, etc next to their name. Anything you need to chart on, or pass on in report, just write on the back of the sheet. Shouldn't need much more than that. Good luck!

Oh, and how the resident takes their pills (whole, crushed in pudding, whatever) should *always* be written at the top of the MAR. Any good 11-7 nurse should do this during changeover.

Hi! I have been a nurse for 24 years (RN-15 years) & over half of those have been in LTC. It is a very demanding, but rewarding area of nursing. I recommend devicing yourself a prioritized checklist. It saves time, for much needed resident care & saves mental stress from having to try to remember the every day B.S. that must be done d/t regulations. As a LTC supervisor, I still rely on a reminder list every day! Good luck!

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