Nursing Shortcuts: What works for you?

[Brian, ASN, RN]

Yes, Nurses have them, shortcuts. Not the ones that can place a patient's life in jeopardy, however. Planning ahead and prioritizing is a must to ensure safe outcomes. Some shortcuts may include, delegating as appropriate, stocking your uniform or lab coat pockets with items you will use frequently, documenting in real time. What shortcuts do you find work for you?

[medicalforonevoice]

Cheat sheets, I made my own up. With my Nursing schedule being so hectic; along with multiple interupptions throughout my shift, I need my brain on paper. Each patient, writing what I did for them to chart, document later. I used it in report to not miss any information that the next shift may need to know. Just a quick jot down, saved me allot of time. Shredded at the end of the shift, I had a tendency to put it in my pocket, (no violating patient confidentiality there.) Love to hear how other Nurses use little shortcuts!

[NOADLS]

Looking behind my back prior to using one of my shortcuts so it doesn't turn into a "look what they just did."

[nikegirl09]

Cheat sheets, I made my own up. With my Nursing schedule being so hectic; along with multiple interupptions throughout my shift, I need my brain on paper. Each patient, writing what I did for them to chart, document later. I used it in report to not miss any information that the next shift may need to know. Just a quick jot down, saved me allot of time. Shredded at the end of the shift, I had a tendency to put it in my pocket, (no violating patient confidentiality there.) Love to hear how other Nurses use little shortcuts!

Yes, I do this, and I also color code information with highlighters for even better organization of information for prioritizing and report purposes.

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

No shortcuts here. I use a checklist and go through it with each patient. I also take the extra time with difficult or 'special' patients/situations to ensure safety.