5 Ways to Organize Your Paperwork

5 Ways to Organize Your Paperwork 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.

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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.

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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.

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