For episode 3 of The Hospice Nursing Podcast my first hospice mentor, Mike Barrett, returns to discuss what I believe is the biggest contributor to hospice nursing burnout.

Of all the complaints I hear from nurses regarding burnout and being overworked, charting is the main complaint.

In this episode, Mike and I try our best to debunk the reasons charting cannot be completed at the bedside. We also take some time to explain how to be successful with charting at the bedside.

For some context, please visit my second article in the “Avoiding Hospice Burnout” blog series called “Charting At The Bedside.”

As promised, here is the list of reasons we SHOULD NOT chart at the bedside.

***Debunking the lies***

1. I can’t get to know my patient. 
   1. Hospice is 80% psychosocial and only 10% medical.
   2. Nothing is more important than connecting with our patients.
   3. You can do both!
2. It’s rude to open your computer at the bedside.
   1. This is medicine now.
3. There isn’t enough time to chart at the bedside.
   1. You will have to make time somewhere.
   2. Why cheat yourself or your family for a job?
   3. No job in America is worth losing your family?
4. This EMR is too hard (only web based in the country)
   1. This can be done with MOST EMRs.

I mention the book “Choosing To Cheat” by Andy Stanley. Please click HERE to purchase this book.

Here are some suggestions to help you begin the bedside charting journey.

***Five Steps to successful charting at the bedside.***

1. Train the patient
2. Spend the first 15-20 minutes interacting and assessing
   1. Don’t crack the computer the minute you sit down.
   2. I understand the temptation. Especially if you have never done bedside charting.
3. Charge your stuff at night
4. Don’t type in every space
5. Embrace the tension

For those of your who don’t chart at the bedside, what are the concerns you have that are keeping you from starting? Please share in your comments below our visit the About James page and find ways to connect with the show and share your opinion.

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James

James worked on-and-off as an LPN for over 20 years. In 2014 he completed a bridge program and became an RN. James became a hospice nurse in January 2015. He lives in the Kansas City area with his wife of over 30 years, 4 daughters and 2 sons in law.