The coming of spring and Daylight Savings Time brings the start of a new era for PRN. On March 3, 2009 PRN launched our new blog "Nurses' Notes, prn". The purpose of the blog is to share information with the RNs and to get feedback.

Currently PRN is dealing with issues related to ECH's purchase of the Community Hospital of Los Gatos. How will the new RN positions at the ECHLG campus be posted and filed?

Another issue is how will education programs be paid, as EL or ED? Did you know Federal law requires work related education to be paid as hours worked (ED or NT)?

Then, there is the issue of on-going surveillence regarding the management of medication administration. Did you know managers are randomly auditing about 20 charts each month to ensure RNs and LVNs are following the numerous medication administration policies and procedures?

What happens when we move into the new building and the 5th floor units are combined with the 6th floor units? Instead of 2 surgical units and 2 medical units there will be three medical/surgical units. This will result in the change in working patterns and work teams. How will RNs choose on which unit they want to work?

PRN plans to start posting on the blog once a month, increasing as the need arises. We want your comments, feedback and suggestions. "Nurses' Notes, prn" is one more way for RNs to let the PRN leadership know what the RNs at ECH want and need.

Finally, please send suggestions for future postings. Please explore our new website and let us know what you want to see and need to know.

Gain, welcome to Nurses' Notes, prn.