Should we chart in 24-hour time?

[MikeyBSN]

We use the 24 hour clock in our ED. When we call the floors for report, we usually get "what is that, in real person time?" Personally, I think the 24 hour clock has more advantages than disadvantages. We are trying to get the entire hospital using the 24 hour model. What do you think?

[SweetLemon]

I like using the 24hour clock whenever administering/charting meds. It saves me from med errors and makes it easier to pay attention to the NTE x-amount in 24hours portion.

[PICNICRN, BSN, RN]

I thought all hospitals used "military time"! I'm kinda suprised!

[Music in My Heart]

I always use the 24-hr clock.

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I've never worked in a place that didn't use 24hr time!

[Midwest4me]

i thought all hospitals used "military time"! i'm kinda suprised!

frankly, i'm surprised too. i thought all hospitals had been using military time for the past 20+ years!

[loriangel14, RN]

I've never seen any place that didn't use a 24 hour clock.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Surprising. I thought military time was universal in hospitals. Better check your policies and if it is not a policy talk to CNO about pros of using this format. For one thing it can cut down on med errors.

[StrwbryblndRN]

no one ever needed clarification when I give military time. Some may use the layman time but never questioned if given military.

[mama_d, BSN, RN]

I've worked in many many hospitals and facilities (did agency for nearly two years) and never once worked somewhere where military time was not used.

[hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN]

I thought all hospitals used "military time"! I'm kinda suprised!

Ditto. I've never worked in a facility that didn't use a 24-hour clock.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

We use the 24 hour clock in our ED. When we call the floors for report, we usually get "what is that, in real person time?" Personally, I think the 24 hour clock has more advantages than disadvantages. We are trying to get the entire hospital using the 24 hour model. What do you think?

Not sure, but maybe recognizing military time in writing versus hearing it may confuse some people. It does for me. I can give meds, see that it is to be given at 1600 and I cognitively know that this is to be administered at 4pm. But speaking about it and someone tells me that they last gave something at 2330 does throw me off. It may be that way for the others as well.