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.

[Nighshft]

to the op - just putting in my

i've been a nurse for 33 years, i work with all ages of nurses in our very busy unit - i can see both sides of this - i see some of the "more experienced" nurses get totally frustrated by the computer and take forever to chart - and i see the less experienced ones just click and run through the menus and never check that their cursor hasn't moved to the wrong radio button.

i get tired also when i see people play it so they don't have to come back to patient care - on both sides of the spectrum i also get annoyed when i can't get to the computer to chart because "someone" is updating their facebook status or surfing the 'net - hard to correct this behavior when the manager does the same thing..... i also see the newer nurses sit at the front desk, do distance charting, and hardly ever going to see the patients, - you practically have to blast their backsides out of the chairs- i swear some of them have their imprints on the chairs lol

we came up with an agreement that you have x amount of time to do this charting - and if it takes you longer - it's on you - you return to patient care, do the charing when you can, or finish it afterwards - there are only so many computers and you can't tie them up for extended time( unless there is an exceptional reason).enough times exceeding the time limits and you will be spoken to by management -

(unless you are one of her best friends, but i digress - my personal vent lol)

i am also the 'go to" person here on my unit - i'm able to fix a lot of computer issues and often get the phone call (even when i'm off!) instead of calling it and waiting before they are able to get to us...

what bothers me is the fact that the op has targeted the "older, slower nurses" - no wonder they don't seem to want to help you - attitude come across more than you know it, and

maybe you need to look in the mirror. one also wonders about management and why they encourage this disharmony on their unit...

[mmiriamasher]

You really make my blood boil after reading what you wrote!! You are so rude and arrogant!!

For your information, I was the oldest nurse on the unit (I'm retired now), but I knew ( I still do) how to use the computer, I taught the others, yes, even the young nurses.

Not all "older" nurses are technophobic or idiots when it comes to computers, and you, a young 9 month old nurse, can learn a thing or two from the older nurses, like respect and patience.

Hope you will learn to think before you post anything on this site.

[Psychtrish39, BSN, RN]

Can we say ageism ? Why I say ageism is that you said specifically OLDER nurses I have paper charted and computer charted on systems from state level to the VA Vista system it all takes time . I am almost 45 and I can chart as fast as anyone of any age but the computer chart is a legal document and most of the systems lack a way to chart in depth like you need if you are called to testify years down the road. Perhaps thats why they are charting slower to be sure they chart adequately. Thats what I dont care for and if it bothers you so bad help the person but otherwise you have to wait your turn no nursing station has enough computers for each nurse working.. usually you have to share them with the physicians PT, lab etc.

The wait your turn thing is learned in kindergarten.:spin I dont see why it matters when you chart as long as its done before shift change, other than STAT orders and lab orders.

[BrookeeLou_RN]

What about home health, each company has it's own software but Oasis "C" is the basis of each one. I have seen new, young, middle aged and older nurses brought to tears over Oasis Charting....and do not think you could just check off the answer you think it correct, some answers need to be give MUCH thought as they matter in reimbursement. Oasis admission charting takes approximately an hour, much more for complicated cases for nurses who understand the system.

Plus as now most agencies are "paperless" you also get to do do the 485's( Plan of care including doctor orders on computer. And within 5 days all this charting and orders must be checked, errors corrected, rechecked and ready to send off to get Doctor signature and processed for insurance.

And all of this is to be done while the nurse is still responsible for seeing 5-7 patients per day, driving whatever number of miles needed and preforming superior care. And in my experience if you do not have it all together within a short period of time, they may work with you on one or two items but you don't get any 9 months to get it together! But this is how agencies get paid and if the money is not coming in..no need for nurses!

So everyone helps everyone else..some are whizzes at one part but not another!

Part of OP that bothers me is this is all about the OP..not the unit, not the DON, not the patients. Young or old, the OP is being selfish self-centered and down-right cruel. Shame on you!

[Psychtrish39, BSN, RN]

To the ones saying they're making extra notes or doing a more detailed version, all I can say is that is not the case in my situation. I know because I've been curious about this for a while so when I'm doing my montly random chart audits I've made a point to pull certain pts that have had X or Y nurse for several days and I've combed through EVERYTHING paper and computer. They most certainly are not taking a longer time because they're doing a more detailed job.

I know I'm venting and it is NOT fair to generalized. I was just wondering if anybody else had the same frustrations as me. Maybe I'm just stuck with some LAZY nurses that are stuck in their ways.

When do you have time to do chart audits on a busy med-surg floor ? Are you the charge and not taking a group of patients? I have never been able to slink around and check my previous charting or anyone elses. I am too busy taking care of people. I think you are the lazy one . I think you need a attitude check and actually you have no business going into charts that other nurses have had primary care of that patient. Ever heard of a little law called HIPPA if you are not taking care of this set of patients you have no right to do chart audits that is another part of the hospital's responsibility. I think you have a little too much time on your hands. If someone finds out you are doing that you could lose your job. Are you saying you are better than the other nurses you work with ? Thats what it seems like. You are arrogant and need to look in the mirror . If you are busy you dont have time to check up on other people's work.

[Her Own Catalyst RN]

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.

I don't think there is any bashing go on here. But, to be fair, there are plenty of other posts "bashing" new nurses as well. I'm offended by all these comments.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I am 46.

I can dance circles around nurses like the OP.

My previous career required in depth knowledge of computers. 25 years of it.

SO THERE.

[Psychtrish39, BSN, RN]

I don't think there is any bashing go on here. But, to be fair, there are plenty of other posts "bashing" new nurses as well. I'm offended by all these comments.

Yes it is alway bad to generalize any group of people. Its called stereotyping perhaps the OP if she doesnt like working with "slower " nurses educate them or find somewhere else to work where everyone is faster. I have worked with older and younger nurses and I get along with younger people but that attitude and calling out of "older " nurses is stereotypical language and it doesnt mean they are necessarily lazy. I saw a later post of hers that she felt they were "lazy". Stereotyping people allows one group to demean the other and allows ego protection for the person doing the stereotyping. I agree I have seen laziness and slowness in alot of people but not usually nurses. We all work hard young and old but if the old and slow and lazy nurses all leave the new younger nurses are going to be doing it by themselves. I respect all my coworkers young and old and saying things like that is offensive to everyone and shows no respect for other people . I agree with you Catalyst RN its offensive.

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

I don't think there is any bashing go on here. But, to be fair, there are plenty of other posts "bashing" new nurses as well. I'm offended by all these comments.

I'm aware that there are people generalizing as regards younger vs older nurses; in fact, the OP did this herself, and had sufficient grace to admit it. I have found the OP's thread offensive because what I read was about one person deliberately undermining others at work, and using it as a means to gain influence with management. I have no words to describe such conduct....at least none usable on this forum.

I have seen good staff members driven from their jobs because of self-seeking insinuators. I have seen outstanding managers undermined by them. And, sadly, I have encountered managers who use such people as a means of gathering "negative data" on people they want to either get rid of or threaten. You don't just find them in nursing either; there are people in all walks of life who will claw their way to promotion with no thought whatsoever of who they have to destroy in order to do so.

My husband lost his job because of such a character. Perhaps this has made me prejudiced, but the idea of the OP "slinking around" checking up on her colleagues' work so as to elevate herself above them is disgusting to me.

[kids]

To the ones saying they're making extra notes or doing a more detailed version, all I can say is that is not the case in my situation. I know because I've been curious about this for a while so when I'm doing my montly random chart audits I've made a point to pull certain pts that have had X or Y nurse for several days and I've combed through EVERYTHING paper and computer. They most certainly are not taking a longer time because they're doing a more detailed job.

I know I'm venting and it is NOT fair to generalized. I was just wondering if anybody else had the same frustrations as me. Maybe I'm just stuck with some LAZY nurses that are stuck in their ways.

It's not random if your targeting the patients of specific nurses.

Do nurses eat their elders?

I think the post I quoted above pretty much answers your question (which I assume was rhetorical).

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thread closed for review.