PULLMAN -- The efforts of 10 Pullman Hospital nurses is now reality as the electronic clinical nursing documentation program continues implementation. Electronic documents will replace patient charts and in turn, leave nursing staff with more time for patient interaction. Nurses are each assigned a mobile unit with a wireless laptop which assists them as they travel room to room and enter patient information real time. “The software assists in gathering patient history information and gives convenient solutions for nursing staff to utilize, so the patient and nurse get much more time to interact,” said Donna Haynes, Director of Education.

As the only hospital in the region to incorporate the technology, nursing staff spent large amounts of time designing the program to meet the specific needs of the region’s patients. The outcome is not only electronic nursing documentation, but in-room access to health information to assist in answering patient questions. “Online health libraries as well as all of the hospital policies and procedures are included in every unit so nurses can gain valuable information with the click of a button,” said Haynes.

Phase one of the program was implemented August 31, and will continue and transition as the new hospital opens December 16 of this year. “The documentation allows us to better track our data that provides evidence for best practice which keeps us on the forefront of making sure everything we do is in the best interest of patient care.” Said Haynes.