slow with papper work...I might be to slow for new job

BluntForceTrauma · Apr 2, 2008

You say you're at a new job, right? It usually takes a little while to get used to all of the papaer work, which can slow you down at first; but once you get used to it, doing papaer work will be a breeze because you will have memorized most of what's on the paper.

Keep working at it, don't give up! You have come a long way.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2008

I myself am a new nurse to the ICU and I swear I have ADD yet have never been officially diagnosed as such---anyways---I too had a hard time acclimating to ICUs paperwork, so I have devised a little mini cheat sheet/check list that I have used. For admissions I have one/for dismissals I have one. Just the act of devising this check list seemed to make me understand the "flow" of the paper work better and really I only found myself using the check list a week maybe two.

As once you understand the need for the paperwork, then it kind of makes sense.

I wish you the best---30 years as a CNA and school later in life---I bet you are a wonderful nurse, so try not to let the paperwork part of it slow you down. I am sure once you get the hang of "ok this needs checked-and this needs signs-and this needs entered" you will soon be amazed how smooth you get through your days....

Good Luck!!!

fultzymom · Apr 2, 2008

I have been in LTC for 6 years now. I remember feeling like everything was overwhelming and I would not get the hang of it. Now I think I could be on auto-pilot when I am doing those things. It becomes second nature to you. Give yourself some time and it will all come together for you. Hang in there. Everyone is slow when they first start. Good luck.

Leslie

JeanineLPN1984 · Apr 2, 2008

Dear Betty- Don't worry- I've been in long term for over 23 years and just started a new job 1 month ago. I still am asking the other nurses where's the paper for this.... and where's the book for that.....

I had a great orientation to the medcart, but been doing that 100 years. Actually you really need to focus on your med pass, doing a mini assessment during medpass- listen to heart, lungs, observe skin, etc. Not long just enough to get a picture of your resident and jot down any notes as you go. This will help later with your charting and you won't have to go back and forth and waste time. I have a clipboard and report sheet with the patients name on it, during report I jot down any antibotics, incidents, daily charting(PT/OT/ST), tube feeders, IV'S, Foleys or unusual things. I keep in on my medcart and before I see a patient I know what I'm looking for and it saves alot of time.

Each facility has their own papers and as you go along you will pick it up. Really you will. Patients first, paperwork next.:)

SaderNurse05, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2008

I just want to say CONGRATS on going back to school. I myself got a GED. It is funny to hear people talk about high school dropouts. I am a high school never went. I am sure there is a learning curve to your job and it will get better the longer you do it. I know from other LTC nurses on here the patient load and paperwork can be overwhelming. I think if you have worked this hard to get where you are you can handle it. Good luck!

linzz · Apr 3, 2008

What helps is to have a list of residents, with spaces beside their names and jot down any notes about them, special preferences, assessment details. I can also be scattered so I have lists for everything to stay focused, even to the point of writing a list of each step of the paperwork required for each day. Also go home and organize your notes for the next day and you will be flying along in no time.

bcollins61 · Apr 4, 2008

Thank you all for being so nice and encouraging. All of you have touched my heart with your reply's.I will go back to work with a more pos outlook thanks to you . Thank you for the tip of making notes to myself. By the time I got home last night I felt so overwhelmed, my brain would not stop going. Also a lot of the staff is so discouraging, about three of the Nurses have found other jobs . The Nurse that is orienting me is leaving at the end of the schedual,she was nice enough to stay long enough to finish orienting me for the hall she works. I hear nothing but complaints from everyone. I'm kind of worried that things won't get better. The Nurse I oriented with last night was a different one, and I don't think she cared if I learned anything or not , she was very disorganized:bugeyes: and just doing everything out of routine like a B/S hear and there, give a med from one end of the hall then the other,tx's at different times. We worked continously through the night . I really think she was tring to get me to just not come back. But that's not going to happen !! She too has a new job waiting for her. Boy I really got carried away did'nt I . Well I really do thank all of you for listening!!!!!! and for your very encouraging reply's :redbeathe

StLukesLPN · Apr 6, 2008

Can you try an 11-7 night shift ? It's a little quieter with a bit less multi -tasking. It might help ease you into the routines and generally, the nurses are newer and will spend more time helping you. Lists are good -they give you some control. ROSAT is an old favorite for resident charts. Response,Orientation, Skin, Abdomen, Tubes. vital signs at the beginning or end of your assessment. If you have 60 people at night just chart the absolutely necessary. Ask your supervisor and /or the nurse you relieve who must be charted on and woke up for vitals. Stare auditors spend a lot of time reading paperwork but, really, the residents are the most important and getting their meds right. Generally you won't be doing the Dr orders at night and you should get a night bonus. Keep on good terms with your CNAs they know more about who needs PRNs than the nurse when you have a busy night. Don't give up! You are needed badly.

Ginger45 · Oct 15, 2008

I am a former Director of Nurses in a nursing home. I would have loved to have someone like you. I think that you will be fine. You didn't say if this was a Medicare unit. There is alot of charting on those units but most the facilities now have a check sheet like in the hospital so it is not so bad. The paperwork with an admission is overwhelming at first but once you learn it. It won't be a problem. The way I looked at it I could teach paperwork but I couldn't teach empathy and compassion and a desire to take care of the elderly.

achot chavi · Oct 15, 2008

THere is no magic way to quicken the paper work load- just grin and bear it- It helps me to suck on a mint candy etc. Quicker is not always better. Eventually the words will come easier and faster. Don't worry about this/

Congrats on your successes to date!!