RNAnalyst

I actually went in the other direction. 12 years of nursing, a little over 10 of them in the ED, and I was ready for a change. I was in the right place at the right time, when our MIS department was getting ready to implement Meditech's EDM. So, while still working in the ED, I volunteered for "Super User" training, was sent out of town for a week to learn the basics, then became instrumental in developing the screens used to document triage, assessments, treatments and discharges. That lead me into a full time position as a Nursing Informations Specialist, responsible for the ED and LAB modules for 2 hospitals. I can't remember a time when I enjoyed my work as much, and for me, the stress level dropped so significanly, familyl and friends have commented as to how much more they enjoy my company! Gotta love it!

I was just talking with our ED director about this very issue, and my question to him was, "Why not discharge these patients with instructions to return in the AM for further testing." Basically, the response I received was directed to the revenue lost for those patients who go home feeling well, and decide they don't want to come back in the morning.

You can call me a crusty ol' ED nurse (and a guy to boot) and I get caught up from time to time with emotional issues. I have to side with your charge, if the day comes that you DON'T get emotionally involved with your patients, it's time to move on. Caring is the name of the game!

We are using the Meditech system, and in our ED, we are currently using 36" monitors for our public trackers. They are beginning to go through their death throws (one is morphing from a yellow to a green to a purple hue as you watch!) We are thinking of incorperating projectors to display the tracking information onto walls, and I would like to hear from anyone who has already started using these. Are their any horror stories out there? I understand that the bulbs are quite costly. Is it worth it? Thanks in advance for your responses, RNAnalyst

Yeah, just like I said..............

Management of Information Systems, just a fancier way of saying IS department, I guess. I actually fill an NIS (or nursing information systems) position, which incorperates my nursing skills into the implementation of the system. I must admit, I haven't had this much fun at work in I don't know how long. I truly do enjoy getting up in the mornings again. Good luck!

I sure hope everything works out for you. I know the frustrations of getting everyone onboard, and when the equipment is not functioining as desired, that can really add to your woes. Good luck, and hopefully you'll find exactly what you're looking for.

I found it extremely helpful having first worked on the floor with those who are now being challenged to implement the system, but to work from the IS department, where you have quick access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. We are using the Meditech system, and I support the EDM, LAB and RXM modules. There are instances where being able to turn to the analysts that supports NUR and ask for assistance has kept me from re-inventing the wheel.

Hi, Becky Like you, I was a nurse that was very interested in computers and what they could mean in nursing. I had been using computers in healthcare for quite awhile when the hospital I work for decided to expand their use of the Meditech system. It included brining the ED into the computer documentation era, and as I was working in the ED, I went to MIS and became involved in the implementation. That lead to a full time position in MIS, and after 11 years of emergency nursing, I was ready for the change. I have been doing it for 5 months now, and I have to day, I love coming to work again! Good luck. If you really want it, go for it and make it happen! RN Analyst