How do you typically structure your day, as far as setting up visits? I find it difficult to leave less than a 2 hour gap between appointment times, because I never know how long the visits will take. For example, I typically schedule my patients at 9, 11, 1, and 3. This leaves me able to see 4 patients on an average day.
anashenwrath, ASN, RN 2 Articles; 221 Posts Specializes in Hospice. Has 10 years experience. May 20, 2017 I see about 4 patients a day. Prefer 3 so everyone can get plenty of TLC, occasionally have 5 and then I'm antsy and grumpy. I know nurses who do up to 7 (but they're in there for about 15 minutes a pop). I assume an hour a patient and factor in drive time. I divide my patients by area and visit one town a day. If I have multiple patients in a SNF or ALF, I try to see them all the same day. (Not sure what your census is. I have 14-18 visits a week.) Home care patients get priority for picking their day/time.After a couple visits, I get a sense of whether this is a patient/family that needs lotsa love (so let's always assume they'll get an hour at least) or if they're kind of get in-get out (so I can probably get it done within 30 minutes). OH, and I always top-load my week. Best case scenario, I will have an easy Friday. Worst case scenario, I won't be drowning when the inevitable Friday afternoon admission comes in. XP
Tencat12 60 Posts Has 10 years experience. May 21, 2017 Four visits a day is a good number. 5 works too, barely. I found that 6 or more was drive-by nursing at its finest! :) Unless the 6 are situated in one LTC facility. Just remember that one patient can quickly go to hell in a hand basket and may screw up your planned day....God bless 'em! Or if you get really lucky, they may all decide to get fiesty.....it really depends. So I think you're on the right track with 4 visits.
Shortone7 8 Posts May 21, 2017 We HAVE to do at least FIVE visits to "meet productivity." I only dream of having four visits a day...
Ahospicenurse 3 Posts Jul 17, 2017 I give my families an hour time window such as "I plan on being there between 1 and 2 today, is that okay?" and go from there. My productivity is 21 per week
caliotter3 38,333 Posts Jul 17, 2017 My friend gives out two hour time windows and says this is generally effective.
