Notations
Notations Used for Processing Orders
When processing orders from the physicians’ orders form, the person processing the orders indicates what action has been taken to complete the orders. This is done by making notations next to each order, in red ink. As each order is completed, the NUC writes the appropriate notation at the end of the order.
The idea behind the notations is to give as much information as possible, while writing as little as possible. The following are examples of abbreviations and acronyms used as notations in processing orders.
Notation | Definition |
appt. | Appointment |
aware | Used for stat orders only, where the NUC must immediately, verbally inform the person or department who will carry out the order, e.g: "Lab aware" for a stat Lab test or "Nurse aware" for a stat medication order. This notation is not used for routine orders for nursing staff; they become aware of the new orders when they check them. |
booked | A booking date and time for a diagnostic test has been received. |
done | The order has been done; used only when a more specific notation doesn't apply. |
drawn | The Lab has drawn a blood specimen for a Lab test; used for stat Lab orders only. |
OE | Order entered; the order has been entered into the computer. |
Fax'd | The Physicians Order sheet has been faxed to the Pharmacy (not written next to each order, but once only for the entire set of new orders; usually a stamp is used) |
given | Used for stat medication orders only. The nurse (not the NUC) writes this notation after giving the medication. |
K | Kardex; the order has been transcribed to the patient's Kardex |
MAR | Medication administration record; a medication order has been transcribed to the MAR |
noted | The order has been noted; used only when a more specific notation doesn't apply. |
RMO | Requisition made out; a paper requisition has been completed (for Lab and Diagnostic orders) |
3/12 | 3 months |
3/52 | 3 weeks |
3/7 | 3 days |