With the Joint Commission expected to grace Grossmont's doorsteps any day now, we just went through a Mock survey in preparation, and indeed, we were mocked. Actually, documentation is one area in which some members of the medical staff need improvement and a gentle friendly reminder to do what we all learned in training.

Unless you are Jedi Knight with precognition abilities, the Amazing Kreskin, or Nostradamus, you should not engage in pre-charting. This means that you should not be doing your histories, consultation notes, progress notes prior to seeing the patient, or operative reports prior to performing the procedure.

Postoperative orders should be written after surgery as the term "post"operative indicates. If you are using Cerner, you can actually enter your postoperative orders in a planned state prior to surgery. However, those orders are not to be initiated until you finish the procedure.

For those of you writing your progress notes on paper, don't forget to date and time those notes. It will protect you in addition to helping us comply with the Joint Commission's requirements. In areas of the hospital where Cerner is not used (don't everyone rush down to Grossmont Plaza Surgery Center now to avoid using Cerner), please remember to date and time your progress notes and orders.

Please give us the time of day in this endeavour. Your efforts are appreciated.

If you use a translator to speak with a patient, please be sure that the informed consent reflects that you spoke to the patient in their native tongue.

Tuesday, December 6
6 pm
Mission Valley Marriott
Spouses Welcome!

Lamb Chops, Coconut Shrimp - that's all good - but add the Chocolate Fountain - now we're talking!

We'll have a photographer to take a complimentary photo of you and your guest - just like those prom photos from your high school days!

January 27 - SGH Medical Staff Family Bowlling
February 10 - SGH Dancing with the Doctors

Are you interested in seeing a recently published issue of the E-Bulletin?