2 years in...and I have questions

Libby1987 · Nov 3, 2015

I want to address charting in the home..

Give your patients undivided attention, listen to their issues that you can intervene, let them see you make those advocacy calls from their home, then tell them you have to make the powers that be happy and do some charting. Many patients not only understand but they'll make sure you're comfortable doing it, probably offer you something to drink and clear a space at the table for you. The key is meeting their needs before focusing on charting. It doesn't take a lot, 20-30 dedicated minutes to assessment, listening and treatment (often layered) then 10-15 minutes charting and your charting is done and your client feels cared about.

JustMeRN · Nov 11, 2015

I don't particularly do well charting in the home, I too prefer to focus on the patient. So, I am sure to put in vitals (trying to remember numbers is impossible) and then I have a sticky note program on my laptop that I use to type just keywords to jog my memory if needed. Once I'm done my visit I sit in my car 10-15 min and finish up charting (except in the instance of an admit, that charting I will do at home), then on to the next visit.

Part of of the reason foe me is I feel distracted if I'm sitting in the home charting. I find clients want to chat, or visit, pets jump in my lap. I just can't focus well enough and it takes much longer. It's easier for me to focus on charting and knock it out in my quiet car.

toomuchbaloney · Nov 11, 2015

Part of our job is documenting information in the system. The vast majority of patients and families are okay with that and, as mentioned above, will even help to facilitate that.

Completing even a portion of the documentation in the home allows you to verify some details verbally with the patient, which gives them context and helps them to feel like they are collaborators in their care.

While I am an advocate of point of service documentation I do, also, complete some documentation in my vehicle or in a local coffee shop, etc before the next visit. It is true that some home environments are simply NOT conducive to thoughtful documentation. The important part is to complete your documentation BEFORE moving onto the next patient. Practice, practice, practice until you can easily complete 5 routine visits WITH documentation in an easy 8 hour shift.

Libby1987 · Nov 12, 2015

Part of our job is documenting information in the system. The vast majority of patients and families are okay with that and, as mentioned above, will even help to facilitate that.
Completing even a portion of the documentation in the home allows you to verify some details verbally with the patient, which gives them context and helps them to feel like they are collaborators in their care.
While I am an advocate of point of service documentation I do, also, complete some documentation in my vehicle or in a local coffee shop, etc before the next visit. It is true that some home environments are simply NOT conducive to thoughtful documentation. The important part is to complete your documentation BEFORE moving onto the next patient. Practice, practice, practice until you can easily complete 5 routine visits WITH documentation in an easy 8 hour shift.

Yes absolutely exactly!