Older nurses taking forever to computer chart

[Giga]

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.

[nursel56]

Hey I'm one of those "older nurses" (58) and the hospital where I work even let me train others how to use our computer charting, scan meds, etc.. go figure:confused:

I know! Honestly, this idea that "older nurses" are by and large dim-witted when it comes to computers must be a selective thing from one facility to the other. And in my job where we still use paper, it's the younger, newer nurses who write every single thing all over again in the narrative portion that they checked on the flow sheet as if those little check marks might go AWOL when nobody is looking and then she would have no note at all. Sometimes I want to say something but it doesn't really impact me that much, and I imagine in time the volume of verbiage will decrease.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I've read all the replies from people telling me that I need to reexamine my own priorities and that "there's no wonder they won't help me". Them helping me isn't really the issue, it's them making me do task for them because they're pussyfooting around on the computer.

Also let me make it clear that they are NOT spending additional time with patients, they're spending their time sitting behind the nurses station slowly drinking coffee while slowly punching keys one at a time at the computer.

Well, in your OP, you did indeed complain about them not being available to help you, so which is it?

[heron, ASN, RN]

I've read all the replies from people telling me that I need to reexamine my own priorities and that "there's no wonder they won't help me". Them helping me isn't really the issue, it's them making me do task for them because they're pussyfooting around on the computer.

Also let me make it clear that they are NOT spending additional time with patients, they're spending their time sitting behind the nurses station slowly drinking coffee while slowly punching keys one at a time at the computer.

I ain't buyin' it. If co-workers slacking off is a real issue, there are more straightforward ways for your manager to deal with it than by getting you to audit their charts.

I don't think you're being honest with yourself or with us, aeb your very selective responses which ignore almost all suggestions for solving the problem.

I suggest the employee assistance program to explore your issues.

I also suggest you stop doing your manager's dirty work ... that tends to backfire, eventually. Unless, of course, your goal is to get into management yourself in this obviously very toxic environment. Birds of a feather and all that.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I mostly likely would be classified as an 'older nurse'. I did not grow up with computers but with many things, we learn new skills or we go home.

I'm the one who had to teach all the younger nurses how to use the computer. I'd suggest you'd be missing us older nurses if you had a question about patient care.

[heron, ASN, RN]

Might I also suggest that it's time to put this thread to bed? OP is obviously not considering our suggestions seriously and there's just so much that can be said.

It's soooooo saddens me to see a young nurse being sucked into the backstabbing, cutthroat corporate culture that has destroyed so many of our workplaces. Since I don't know the OP, I have no idea whether she comes by this naturally. I do know, from what she wrote, that the management of her unit, if not the facility, obviously values this kind of behavior. They are not only tolerating but actively encouraging it. It's beyond sad.

[rn/writer, RN]

Some folks hurry through their charting by copying a previous assessment. This is allowable as long as you check each individual item to make sure that it still applies and the information is still correct. People who don't take the time to check thoroughly may find themselves "assessing" IVs and Foleys that have been DC'd and marking "progress made" on careplan goals that have been resolved.

Not saying that anyone who is a faster charter is doing this, but I've seen enough misuse of the copying shortcut to know that it can be a real trap.

Some nurses rarely use the option to make a narrative note. I look at that ability as the chance to write myself a letter if I'm ever called on the carpet down the road. You don't have to be verbose. Just include enough information to jog your memory and document the actions that show you did a thorough job.

Age alone isn't the determinant of how a person charts, so it's a mistake to focus solely on that attribute.

I do find it somewhat disturbing that the OP seems more bent on pointing fingers at slowpokes than trying to look for solutions that will help everyone.

[Katie5]

To the 27 year old poster on the previous page who was attempting to be helpful by suggesting that these experienced nurses might benefit from a "5 to 15 minute discussion" regarding their charting habits....lol, are you joking, too?? That sounds very arrogant as well. I cannot believe that people actually have this much disrespect for their elders. Wow.

Internet "feelings" is sometimes hard to decipher-the poster may not have meant it the way you're taking it.

One word- Ageism!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

That may be true. But I just think the suggestion seems a little rude. You need to consider the whole picture of nursing, and respect their experience.

[RNfaster]

I've trained young and older users to use software. It's important to watch them as you teach, that way you can focus the training. Many users don't know short-cut keys. Others don't see all that is on the monitor. They may not be versed string queries, or some of the elements that web surfers take for granted. They might also make assumptions (incorrect) about a program per their web experience (e.g., more flexible querying expected). Still other users may not know how to type. Repetition in training is important. As is patience and persistence. It takes about three weeks to build new habits and truly ingrain new habits (per my experience, anyway).

One benefit of training others: you learn yourself from them (about computers/software as you see it through new eyes). Another...you build a relationship, and can learn even more from them...(like about nursing or communication skills)...

[sevensonnets]

I agree with Heron. It's way past time to put this one to bed. A new and inexperienced nurse should be learning how to be the best nurse she can be. She is instead focusing on getting her coworkers in trouble over how long it takes them to chart. She clearly does not understand the legal implications of creating a hostile workplace. Sad really.

[LouisVRN, RN]

To the 27 year old poster on the previous page who was attempting to be helpful by suggesting that these experienced nurses might benefit from a "5 to 15 minute discussion" regarding their charting habits....lol, are you joking, too?? That sounds very arrogant as well. I cannot believe that people actually have this much disrespect for their elders. Wow.

I was by no means attempting to be arrogant. Sometimes sitting down with someone for five to ten minutes is all it takes for one to be able to point them in a direction that would be mutually beneficial. I'm not saying that I can save their world in 5-15 minutes, just sometimes that spending time to someone and letting them tell you where their difficulties lie sometimes can allow you to aid them. I have no disrespect for any of my "elders" and hope they have none for me either, although with posts like this it is clear that the discrimination abounds and goes both ways...so sad for nursing in general.

[NurseAdida]

Whatever happened to good old team work? I have been a nurse for 3.5 years and I have learnt to NEVER burn bridges at the work place otherwise you will be stuck alone when you really need your help. Why don't you find out what takes them so long charting and see how you can help???