Role of the NCU

CPOE

Computerized Physician Order Entry, a system for electronically entering physician orders.

Physician Order Form

A document containing directives for patient care recorded by physicians.

Standing Order

An order that remains in effect until the patient is discharged or another order is written to change it.

Short-Series Order

An order that is executed during a specific time frame or for a specified number of times.

One-Time Order

An order that is carried out only once.

Processing Orders

The clerical duties necessary to ensure that physician orders are carried out.

Notations in Red Ink

A method used to indicate actions taken to complete a physician's order.

Components of a Physician's Order

1. Date written 2. Time written 3. Physician’s signature.

Nursing Unit Clerk

Responsible for coordination of communication and clerical duties to process physician's orders.

Examples of Standing Orders

Diet orders, medication orders.

Examples of Short-Series Orders

Full fluids for 48 hours, CBC daily x 7 days.

Examples of One-Time Orders

Lab orders such as chest x-ray.