Most people feel better when paperwork is organized and
filed correctly. The last thing you want to be is frustrated over something as
simple as paperwork. You can spend an hour one day organizing and setting up
files to hold your paperwork and charts, and it can actually save you 4 hours
over the next 2 months alone, where you are not searching for a paper, a chart,
or a to do note. In the event you want
to keep costs of organizing supplies to a minimum there are some options. Check the dollar stores for the manila
folders. Stick with good hanging files,
and you can make your own labels from plain paper, and cut them out to fit
inside the plastic tabs. You don’t have
to spend a fortune to get organized.
Paperwork
Storage Container (files)
The first consideration is, do you have access to a
private file cabinet or other similar storage?
If you do, that’s great; it will enable you to have an actual method to your
filing of paperwork. Providing you have
a one drawer file box, the first thing you want to do is select the proper
fitting hanging file folders. Don’t try
to save money when it comes to the hanging file folders, if they don’t hang
properly you will spend time rehanging and reorganizing. Select clear tabs for the top, it will make
reading the inserted labels much easier.
As you prepare to hang the files, offset each label by a couple spaces
so that you can view them clearly without having to actually move the files. Once you have your hanging files in your
drawer, you are ready to begin organizing and preparing folders.
File Folders
Select manilla folders to go within the files that are
hanging. That way you can put more than
one folder into each file. The best
labeling system for the folders is going to be using labels that you can create
and print yourself. This enables you to
select whatever wording you choose, and it will really make a difference if you
can use colors to differentiate each folder.
The key is to make things very organized and simple to use so that you
can locate anything at a glance.
Labels for Folders
Providing you have a colored printer, a good system to
use is one that you can associate a color with a particular category. For instance, bright red could signify very
important, and yellow could indicate things to do, etc. It’s fine to put more than one folder in each
hanging file, just keep the categories within a similar hanging file. Making the files and folders easily
identifiable will allow you to grab what you need, and even make it easy if you
need someone that is unfamiliar with the files to pick one up for you.
On
the Go File Folder
For those files that you may need to keep with you, a
simple folder works great. You can use
the same color labeling system as in the file cabinet, and have your well
organized files with you whenever you need them. There are numerous types of portable folders,
shop, office supply stores and find the one that suits your needs best.
Things
to Do Folders
Assuming you do not have apps on electronic devices,
you will need a to do folder or basket.
Make sure you check you’re to do folder often, that will keep you
organized, and ensure you don’t forget what your jobs and tasks are for the
day. One way to help with the to do
folder is to turn the to do note so that the top portion sticks out of the
folder and is visible easily. There
really is no end to ways to organize files and folders, just decide what works
best for you and suits your needs.
Pocket
Supplies
Do yourself a favor and select scrubs that have
multiple deep pockets. Always keep a
small note pad and pen in your pocket that is essential. When you tell a patient that you will do
something after you see several more patients, jot it down. You may be a super human and a super nurse,
but it is impossible to remember each and every little thing. The little pocket notebook is a lifesaver for
a nurse, it's easy to jot a quick note or reminder down, and you can easily
slip it in and out of the pocket of your scrubs. It may benefit you to keep a small clip to
bookmark your page within your book, just a little added trick to help you move
quickly. Many nurses, especial those
that work a night shift, carry a small flashlight with them in order to take
down notes, and for any other needs in the dark room of a patient.
Organize
all Daily Supplies
"A place for everything and
everything in its place" is an essential criteria for nurses. Start with
your pockets; don't just throw your phone, alcohol wipes, pens, hand sanitizer,
reading glasses, scissors and tape in willy-nilly; use a pocket organizer so
you can get to things easily when you need them. After report, take a minute to
look at your patient's immediate needs so you can gather supplies you need
before heading down the hall. Have a preprinted list that reminds you of
everything that you need during your shift.
Do
What's Important First
If you've been a nurse for any length of time, you know
you won't get everything done that you'd like to do. Unfortunately, spending
time with patients generally takes a hit as you try to get the scheduled meds,
treatments and basic care done. Prioritize your list to make sure you don't
miss any essentials. Some nurses rely on a pre-printed scheduling chart including
each patient and their essential treatments. Check off tasks as you do them so
you don't surprise a patient by trying to change their dressing twice in one
shift.
Check the Orders
Once doctors have made rounds, you know you'll have new
orders for some patients. Check for any new meds or med changes before you give
scheduled doses. Changes in diet, meds and treatments could all require you to
change your schedule to fit them in. If your patient is being discharged, you
need to get the paperwork together as well as the patient. Rely on your pocket notebook until you can
sit down at a desk and make proper documentation of all you need to do.
Organize
Your Report
No one wants to be the nurse who gives a report in
disjointed segments, pieces of paper spilling over the table and lots of
backtracking to mention the things she forgot to tell you about a previous
patient. A pre-printed form can also help you organize your report, with spaces
for current meds, treatments and any changes in orders.
A well organized nurse is a nurse that is highly
productive. There is more to being a
better nurse than just the clinical aspect, and organizing your supplies and
paperwork is one way that you can ensure your level of productivity.
Related: Skilled
Nurse Patricia L. Steele, LPN, to Be Published in the Worldwide Leaders in
Healthcare
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