Older nurses taking forever to computer chart

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I've been working on the surgical floor for 9 months now and I'm starting to feel like I'm getting the hang of things on my unit. I've learned a lot of tips and tricks and my time management has really improved.

One thing I'm getting really frustrated with is that some of the older nurses take FOREVER to computer chart. And from my observation a lot of it comes from them not "knowing how to use a computer" the same way younger people do. To do a routine assessment on a total knee for example probably takes me 5-7 minutes, and that's not me rushing or anything and only talking about routine stuff. The same assessment would take some of these nurses anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

It's a little frustrating at times when they need help with other things because they used all their time "charting". Or when I need help but they can't help me because "If I leave this screen I might lose it and I've spent too much time on this!".

And truth be told I think maybe sometimes they're doing it on purpose because it gives the illusion of working, but that would be MEAN and I TRY to give everybody the benefit of the doubt. :uhoh3:

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How about helping them. If you teach them how to use the computer more efficiently it will be a win-win for everyone.

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Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.

I am one of those "older" nurses of which you speak. And while I am far from a computer dummy, I find computer charting severely lacking. I know for a fact that I am unable, using only the provided pre-set screens, to chart as well as I used to do when we paper charted. Perhaps your older nurses feel the same and are making extra notes so as to have a more thorough assessment on the record.

In the old days, we had an I/O + graphics page, a med sheet, a doctor's order page, and progress notes. Charting didn't take any less time, and I can't see how computer charting has improved anything.

Some have poor handwriting, but when you print out certain forms, as we do, they font is so small, you can barely see it, so that's a wash, if you ask me.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Do nurses eat their elders?

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I have noticed some of the older nurses struggling with the computer a bit but I AM SO GLAD they are there when I go running to them with a question. I'm happy to help if they have a question with computer charting. It's a win-win situation and eventually we will both be that much more knowledgeable. Shoot...my fear is down time on the computer and having to paper chart :D

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Oh no. Not yet another thread bashing "older" nurses.

I just wish these immature posters would do us all a favor and hurry up and grow up already.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I've been working on the surgical floor for 9 months now and I'm starting to feel like I'm getting the hang of things on my unit. I've learned a lot of tips and tricks and my time management has really improved.

One thing I'm getting really frustrated with is that some of the older nurses take FOREVER to computer chart. And from my observation a lot of it comes from them not "knowing how to use a computer" the same way younger people do. To do a routine assessment on a total knee for example probably takes me 5-7 minutes, and that's not me rushing or anything and only talking about routine stuff. The same assessment would take some of these nurses anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

It's a little frustrating at times when they need help with other things because they used all their time "charting". Or when I need help but they can't help me because "If I leave this screen I might lose it and I've spent too much time on this!".

And truth be told I think maybe sometimes they're doing it on purpose because it gives the illusion of working, but that would be MEAN and I TRY to give everybody the benefit of the doubt. :uhoh3:

Wow...and they say nurses eat their young. :eek:

God forbid any of these older nurses had criticized you when you were new and needed time to learn things when you were on orientation.

Older nurses haven't grown up using computers the way your generation has. My generation certainly didn't. If I told you my first experience with a computer was using a punch-card system you probably wouldn't have the vaguest idea what I was talking about.

Instead of harping on their lack of computer skills, why not try to help them? I'm sure with all their experience, they can teach a 9 month old nurse a thing or two about patient care. ;) Consider it a trade-off; everybody wins.

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Specializes in OB.

I think it is difficult to impossible for younger generation people to understand just what a leap it has been for those of us who grew up and were educated before the existence of home computers. They take the tool for granted in the same way we would picking up a pen or a telephone. When we were in school computers were something that took up entire buildings at a university and were only seen in pictures in Life Magazine.

I can deal with computer charting but will always mutter under my breath and take more time than the "youngsters". And I do have a sneaking suspicion that many I deal with are remote descendants of HAL! (If you get that reference you are probably as old as I am).

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Specializes in ER/ float.
And truth be told I think maybe sometimes they're doing it on purpose because it gives the illusion of working, but that would be MEAN and I TRY to give everybody the benefit of the doubt. :uhoh3:

you will make a great charge nurse some day, :lol2:not

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I am one of those "older" nurses of which you speak. And while I am far from a computer dummy, I find computer charting severely lacking. I know for a fact that I am unable, using only the provided pre-set screens, to chart as well as I used to do when we paper charted. Perhaps your older nurses feel the same and are making extra notes so as to have a more thorough assessment on the record.

In the old days, we had an I/O + graphics page, a med sheet, a doctor's order page, and progress notes. Charting didn't take any less time, and I can't see how computer charting has improved anything.

Some have poor handwriting, but when you print out certain forms, as we do, they font is so small, you can barely see it, so that's a wash, if you ask me.

Small font?Edit and increase the font.Hope that helps.

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Specializes in L&D.
I think it is difficult to impossible for younger generation people to understand just what a leap it has been for those of us who grew up and were educated before the existence of home computers. They take the tool for granted in the same way we would picking up a pen or a telephone. When we were in school computers were something that took up entire buildings at a university and were only seen in pictures in Life Magazine.

I can deal with computer charting but will always mutter under my breath and take more time than the "youngsters". And I do have a sneaking suspicion that many I deal with are remote descendants of HAL! (If you get that reference you are probably as old as I am).

:yeah: I got that, but I am only 20! ;)

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"Nurses eating their young" is becoming so pervasive an attitude that it's accepted as truth. Newer and less experienced nurses would never recognize the reverse attitude in themselves. Perhaps "older" nurses take longer to computer chart because they're taking the time to do it right.

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