nurs1forall

We have been using computer charting at our facility for 4-5 years now, but have only recently introduced mobile lap tops on carts. The concept was good, get the nurses back out on the floor, where they are visible and accessable to the patients and families, however, in reality they are cumbersome, impersonal, and like others have mentioned an infection control issue. What I have found most of the floor nurses have resorted to was to complete their assessments, while leaving the laptops outside the room, then input their information right outside the room. Most of them find this an acceptable alternative. Otherwise they would have to go to one of the main computers, tucked away in a room. I'm hoping for palm-pilots in the future, they are small enough to fit into the pockets of your jackets or scrub tops, and weigh almost nothing. Hope this little tid bit offers you a little more insight:)

:) Toniajo, I am writing to offer you encouragement and strength. I have been a nurse for 4 years, and still consider myself a "new" nurse. Before becoming a nurse I had no experience in the medical field whatsoever. I was 24 years old, single mother due to my divorce. There was one constant in my life, and that was my desire to do something that would make a difference....I don't know if I chose nursing school or if nursing school chose me....either way it was one of the most exciting, meaningful, tiresome, hair-raising experiences of my life. There were many times that I left my clinicals in tears, vowing to never return. The thing that got me through was finding a mentor in the clinical setting. Seasoned nurses have so much knowledge, experience, and expertise to share that as students it is almost essential to absorb all that you can from them. As you gain confidence in yourself, in your skills, in your critical thinking, then nursing will become easier, but still expect there to be challenges. Everyday you should strive to master one more skill, wether it be technical or knowledge based. I have heard time and time again that, seasoned nurses "eat their young." Let me tell you, that is not always true. There are many knowledgable nurses out there, that want nothing more than to share their experience and knowledge with the new grads or nursing students. All you have to do is be willing to accept it and run with it, use it as a building block for all the experiences yet to come your way in your nursing career. Hang in there, ask questions, questions, questions....and don't be afraid to try any new experience that you can. You will do fine, if nursing is truly what you want to do...Have FAITH!!!!!:)