Published
I currently work in a very rural hospital that uses paper charting. On the first of October we are getting ready to go live with a computer charting system that I am sure I will NOT like. It is Meditech. It was not designed for L&D.
I decided if I am going to have to learn a new system I might as well do it at a new hospital while on orientation :chuckle I went for a job interview in a larger hospital in a city nearby and they said they used a system called WatchChild (I think that was the name). I know there is also a system called TraceVue that is designed for L&D. Anyway, wanted to know what systems some of you use, what you like about them, what you don't like about them, etc. Since I am looking for a new place to work, I might as well pick a place that has a cool computer charting system (if all things are equal) as well.
I agree with Blue Eyes, that Meditech is old antiquated and not worth it.On another note, if you are paid hourly then you must be paid overtime if you work it even if your employer doesn't authorize it. This is federal law.
Well this is good to know. I was thinking the other day that I needed to find out what my rights "by law" are and not let the hospital run over us. Thanks for reminding me of this.
We use meditech for pp, gyn, and neonates. Gotta agree...I HATE IT!!! We've had it for a couple of years now and it has not endeared itself to me. We use watchild for L/D. I do like that one. We were told they would communicate w/ each other eventually (when we first got meditech-had watchild for 5 years), BUT they do not and never will. It's great when a pt. has a C/S. Our post-op checklist is in Meditech, so we have to bring that up to do the checklist and care for pt. in PACU. Just what you feel like do when you have a stat situation. OR no longer "sees" the pre-op checklist. as it is in the computer which they do not bring up. I think I would like doing everything in Watchild or another user friendly system. I prefer paper to meditech. We are also a small rural hospital.
Meditech is the WORST.I have struggled w/this antiquated 1985-DOS-style system for 8 years in 2 separate hospitals.
I can't encourage you; it's cumbersome and time-consuming.
Good luck
If you have specific questions as to "ins and outs" let me know . Maybe i can help.
Do you know how to work the F1= "start block", F2="end block" function in the word processing feature. Options include copying/ deleteing to buffer or clipboard. I can get this far, then I can't find buffer or clipboard to reteive the info.
Tx Apothecary
I started this hospital job 14 months ago, and it is Meditech, which was like GREEK to me when I started. I am profficient at using it now, but have never liked it and I feel it is very outdated and user unfriendly. It is a dos based program, and seems to be old as the hills. Many nurses have thought it a BEAR to learn if they had never seen it before. Kathie
Old job meditech- BLEAH! A PITA!
New job- Mysis......Not sure if thats the whole name or not, but its pretty good. Most everything is online except the nurses notes, doc notes and care plans. I've been impressed, coming from using meditech, not that there hasn't been times where things get messed up...
Missy
Do you know how to work the F1= "start block", F2="end block" function in the word processing feature. Options include copying/ deleteing to buffer or clipboard. I can get this far, then I can't find buffer or clipboard to reteive the info.Tx Apothecary
I am sorry, about that I have no clue. I guess I have never needed to use it. Ours is all "canned text" and that frankly is the pits.
DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN
3,932 Posts
We use Meditech and it's the only computer charting I know so I'm ok with it. Definately better than paper. Our OB dept does not use meditech. They use a program called childwatch. The OB nurses seem to like the childwatch program.