Sunday, November 1, 2009
Technology and Efficiency
This week I was reminded yet again on how much we rely on technology to accomplish everyday tasks. For me it came in the form of lacking the tools to get my job done in a timely manner. Our floor holds 23 single beds which may not sound at all like a significant number but you must consider the types of patients that our floor cares for. Orthopedic patients can be a handful because of all the equipment they need, the constant pain control, and maximum mobility assistance that is required. This week our floor was completely full, as soon as we discharged a patient there were others on a waiting list ready to replace them. I am sure the rest of my coworkers will agree that anything to help us get through the day in a timely manner is really appreciated, especially during a time when we are so busy. Our equipment is old and is need of desperate replacement or repair. We use what we call COW’s (computers on wheels) to pass out our medications. With the COW’s we are able to carry large amounts of medications in drawers, scan our patients to correctly identify them, and scan in their medications. This portable computer also can be taken to a patient’s room for the admission process. This type of equipment really makes medication administration faster and safer and cuts down on the time it takes to admit a patient. This week we had two that were working with six nurses all needing a COW. We were having to wait and take turns passing out our medications which really prolonged the process. At the end of the shift we were all behind having to stay longer than our intended eight hour shift. Besides making us late we all stayed over about 1-2 hours longer. This meant not only were we being affected but also the hospital as a whole. They had to pay for more hours because the equipment provided was not working. Patients also complained on how long it was taking for them to receive their medications. Overall, not having the right equipment to get the task done affected all aspects of my work. It affected my coworkers, the patients, cost to the hospital, and myself.
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Having the proper functioning equipment is very important. The amount of money the hospital spent in paying six nurses two hours of overtime probably would have been enough to purchase another COW. I bet it was difficult explaining the delay in medication administration to your patients. Especially if they were in pain, they can get so testy. It is interesting learning about the technology used on other hospital units. Even though we are all nurses in our group our jobs our very different.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of a COW before, but sounds like a great idea. Your example of technology and its benefits and disadvantages is clear. I think that we take technology granted--that it will always work--and we don't have back up plans. We don't anticipate problems, but problems are inevitable. Leah brings up a great point about pain control. Sandra, you work on an orthopedic floor and your patients' post surgery pain can be pretty severe, and its treatment, a top priority to treat; these are some issues that should be discussed when considering using technology...what if it breaks down? What would be the most important problems to tackle if this happens? Enjoyed your post.
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