medical records times 70

So after doing a lot of shadowing last week, my preceptor gave me some interesting tasks this week. Yesterday I created a pocket guide for their version of the host/hostess to use when taking patient menu choices. Lots of patients are on coumadin, so the dietitian wanted me to create something for the hosts/hostess to use to help the patients select a diet that is consistent in vitamin K. I also went through the first part of the menu cycle to see how often foods high in vitamin K are offered on each of the different diets. Today I went with the dietitian to go through every medical record at the long term care facility (about 70 ppl) to verify that the diet order in the chart was the same as what was entered in the computer. They have a surprising amount of problems with that, which I discovered today. After that I went with the dietitian to inspect the kitchen; we made a list of a bunch of things that need cleaning...I felt like I was back in food service :) I also went to cardiac rehab for one morning this week and got to see how that worked. Patients come for exercise and then get a short nutrition lesson. I asked if I might be able to teach the lesson at some point.
Aside from these tasks, I wrote my first note in the computer with help from one of the dietitians, so that was exciting. I also saw a patient on my own to ask about recent weight loss. I'm guessing that I'll work more with the patients again tomorrow. Unfortunately I can't get access to the computer charting system until the manager gets back from vacation, but hopefully that won't hinder my progress!