Your best time-saving tips...

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

I know I have a lot that I can't think of right now (ha!), but we all have little tricks we use to save time. In the days of increasing patient ratios, anything we can do to make our jobs more efficient is essential! So, what are yours?

One of mine is, when giving a bowel prep (like Go Lytely) to someone with an NG tube in place, hook it up to a tube feeding bag and pump. Saves coming in to give them a syringe or two full every 10-15 minutes.

What have you got?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I think hourly rounding really does make a difference, especially if I ask all the pertinent questions while I am in the room.

Also, adding an extention to the cathether hub, even if only a peripheral IV. Be sure to secure it. You never have to wiggle the hub and seems to stay in longer and have fewer problems. When you convert to fluids or take off fluids it is SO much easier than trying to tear down a nasty dressing. I like Stat Lock for that purpose - holds IVs in place.

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

I think hourly rounding really does make a difference, especially if I ask all the pertinent questions while I am in the room.

Also, adding an extention to the cathether hub, even if only a peripheral IV. Be sure to secure it. You never have to wiggle the hub and seems to stay in longer and have fewer problems. When you convert to fluids or take off fluids it is SO much easier than trying to tear down a nasty dressing. I like Stat Lock for that purpose - holds IVs in place.

I love the fact that we switched to Statlocks....the stats were incredible, something like a reduction from 70% to 17% in the number of unscheduled/unexpected restarts (due to either dislodging, or infiltration). Good product, IMO!