For Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) working in long-term care, mastering PointClickCare (PCC) is essential to balancing high-quality patient care with efficient documentation. When every minute counts, knowing how to navigate the software quickly can significantly reduce your charting time. Here are five expert shortcuts that seasoned professionals use daily to streamline their workflow.
1. Utilize "Quick Charts"
Instead of navigating through multiple tabs for every patient, use the "Quick Charts" feature. This allows you to input vitals, bowel movements, and intake/output data in a single, streamlined window. By setting up your most frequently used tasks as favorites, you can shave valuable seconds off every entry.
2. Master Keyboard Tab Navigation
Stop reaching for your mouse between every field. Use the "Tab" key to move seamlessly from one input box to the next. Learning the tab order of your facility’s standard documentation screens allows for "blind" data entry, keeping your eyes on the patient rather than the screen.
3. Leverage Copy-Forward Features
If a resident’s condition or care needs remain consistent, use the copy-forward or "previous entry" functionality where applicable. While you must always verify the accuracy of the data, pulling previous information prevents repetitive typing and ensures consistency in your documentation.
4. Use Voice-to-Text Integration
Many modern tablets and devices connected to PCC support voice-to-text. If you have detailed notes to add regarding a resident’s behavior or skin condition, dictating your observations while you are still in the room ensures better accuracy and saves you from typing long narratives at the nursing station.
5. Customize Your Dashboard
The PCC dashboard is highly customizable. Arrange your "Task List" to prioritize high-acuity residents or specific care tasks. By organizing your workspace to show only what is relevant to your current shift, you minimize the time spent scrolling and searching for assignments.