Unacceptable Abbreviations

[Barmherzigkeit]

I've been studying for the dosage calculation math we will be doing in nursing school and read about what is considered "unacceptable abbreviations". For example, it says doctors should write out "discontinue" or "discharge" rather than "D/C" because it eliminates confusion and improves patient safety. I like this idea because I think abbreviations can be confusing. From what you have seen, is this being done?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'd say that physician computerized order entry has pretty much eliminated abbreviations altogether. Maybe they're spoiled in my facility, but they have order sets for a lot of things where they simply need to check a box, and the order appears with everything spelled out (every 8 hours instead of q8, for example).

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Joint Commission has published a list of unapproved abbreviations. These, by and large, have been eliminated from healthcare facilities, especially those that are JC accredited.

You can find the list here: Facts about the Official “Do Not Use” List | Joint Commission

[Barmherzigkeit]

Thank you, Double-Helix, for the link.

Rose_Queen, thank you for the good news about the computerized order entry in your facility. I hope it's like that when I get to clinicals.

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

I'm going to disagree with the general consensus to some extent.

Historically, part of the problem with abbreviations is that orders/notes were hand-written, so it was easy to confuse things like IU (international units) and IV. Computerized orders have solved the terrible handwriting problem. You won't see the 5 abbreviations on the 'Do Not Use' list that DoubleHelix cited, and hopefully you won't see any unclear abbreviations in MD/ARNP orders. However, you'll probably still see them used in charting and on the unit.

Even though charting is now computerized, it still eats up a good chunk of your shift. Nurses are busy people, and many are not going to take extra time to spell out every single word when certain abbreviations are commonly used. Same goes for receiving report; there's a lot to cover in a short period of time, so you will probably hear some 'BID,' 'AC,' 'q 2', 'KVO/TKO', and maybe even some 'CCs' depending on the nurse. Using abbreviations also makes jotting down notes while receiving report way easier and faster: try jotting down 'BID' or 'q 12' compared to 'every 12 hours'.

So for instance, my shift note might say "PICC assessed q hour, HAL weaned TKO," instead of spelling out "Assessed the PICC every hour, then weaned IV fluids to *** mL/hr to keep the line open." In report you might hear "Pressures q hour. PO Diuril BID at 9 and 9. Blood sugars AC." rather than "Blood pressures are hourly. Diuril is given by mouth every 12 hours at 9 and 9. Blood sugars before meals."

Part of the reason why it's confusing is probably because the abbreviations are new and unfamiliar to you as a student nurse. You may feel a bit overwhelmed by the jargon when you start out, but it quickly becomes second nature.