I write absolutely every single thing down. I have the memory of a goldfish so unless I write it down I won't remember a thing. I've just always done it that way and I couldn't function without writing it down. I constantly refer to my notes all night long, and I keep a to-do list on there and check each thing off as I go. I'd be worried I'd forget something if I didn't. I work in the ICU though, and there's a lot of information to retain and report is highly detailed. Also, when it comes to giving report to the next shift I just would completely forget everything unless I had it in front of me. Also, menopause brain is a thing.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
I write absolutely every single thing down. I have the memory of a goldfish
I not only have the memory of a goldfish, I sometimes have the motivation of a slug on a sleeper/hypnotic. So I go as far to draw little boxes next to things that I have to remember that need to be done that are outside of the realms of typical duties...
We take report from patient information sheets at Wrongway called "roadmaps" which contain the first name/last initial, age axis I & III dx, psychiatrist, and precipitating event resulting in their admission.
Shift report is nearly always hectic with up to 17 patients on the unit, along with nurses who believe shift report is synonymous with a social gathering, I gotta have my notes!
I doff my proverbial hat to those who can remember by listening, but I can't tell a catcher from a pitcher without my program!
I am currently starting on a PCU where they have these wonderful cards that chronicle the patient's hospitalization. Then, at report, they read it to us. After being updated and read the paper, we then go and read through notes and results, most of which is on the cards. So much redundancy, that has probably created these nurses, who, like myself, prefer to listen than write.
I write absolutely every single thing down. I have the memory of a goldfish so unless I write it down I won't remember a thing. I've just always done it that way and I couldn't function without writing it down. I constantly refer to my notes all night long, and I keep a to-do list on there and check each thing off as I go. I'd be worried I'd forget something if I didn't. I work in the ICU though, and there's a lot of information to retain and report is highly detailed. Also, when it comes to giving report to the next shift I just would completely forget everything unless I had it in front of me. Also, menopause brain is a thing.
The only things I've needed to write down are tasks that still need to be completed that is being endorsed to me. And even then, I've never really looked at that list throughout the shift because I remember them or because it is still showing in the EMR that it needs to be completed.
A few weeks ago, I attended a training class at work and the instructor told me, "You need to write that down." He was surprised I didn't write down certain info he gave. I didn't need to because 1) I fully understood the material.
2) What he was saying was already in a power point. I'm sure he thought I didn't care. But the info simply wasn't necessary to write down.
Seems like this topic can be summed up by acknowledging that writing or not writing in and of itself has nothing to do with anything and no judgments about our coworkers can be made on that basis alone.
I don't write things down in report because I have a chart to look at which is much more reliable than the 'game of telephone' that is verbal report.
I'm just looking for a brief description of how the shift went and any atypical events that occurred as well as an idea of how well the patient responds to nursing interactions. I'm also looking for outstanding orders and overdue meds and anything else that needs to be addressed in the first hour of my shift.
All of the details that so many people like to give/get... that I'd prefer to get from the chart which is the ONLY formal documentation.
The different perspectives here are interesting! Makes me rethink how I do bedside report. Maybe I'm relying on my paper brain too much...food for thought.
I write what I consider important, what I need to check on/address. Some people write EVERYTHING. I just write what I consider highlights.
The more senses and abilities I utilize - like listen and write - the better for me.
But everyone has their own particular learning style.
I will venture to say that a nurse who works Float Pool is probably pretty competent. Floating can be rough, you have to be very astute, attentive, a quick learner, not easily flustered, confident, knowledgeable about Nursing and about the place where you are working. I'm sure there are exceptions, but over all, that's my view of Floats.
I might never consult my Report sheet, or perhaps only a couple of times during the shift, but I like having it. And if you don't have an EMR or the computer is down, it's invaluable.
Seems like this topic can be summed up by acknowledging that writing or not writing in and of itself has nothing to do with anything and no judgments about our coworkers can be made on that basis alone.
Yes indeed. That's kind of what I've gathered listening to all the responses.
Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP
1,367 Posts
I write absolutely every single thing down. I have the memory of a goldfish so unless I write it down I won't remember a thing. I've just always done it that way and I couldn't function without writing it down. I constantly refer to my notes all night long, and I keep a to-do list on there and check each thing off as I go. I'd be worried I'd forget something if I didn't. I work in the ICU though, and there's a lot of information to retain and report is highly detailed. Also, when it comes to giving report to the next shift I just would completely forget everything unless I had it in front of me. Also, menopause brain is a thing.