The Computer at the U calls me Mary, but my name is Mary Jean, and most of my friends call me Jean. So if you see, Mary Walker, it is me, M Jean. I am an FNP, and I work in Pain Management. I have been at the same clinic for 9 years. I am Board Certified in Pain Management through the American Academy of Pain Management. You might think that working in Pain management is dull, but it is exactly the opposite. It isn't just prescribing opioids all day. I have been compelled to learn lots about Psychiatry, Sleep Medicine, Stress Medicine, and counseling. I do write lots of opioids every day, but lots of other stuff too. Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, muscle relaxers, laxatives, sleep aids, anxiolytics, and more. I watch my patients for sleep apnea, edema, constipation, and mood disorders. Sometimes I order labs to check thyroid, CBC, Vit D, liver functions, hypothalamic suppression. I have to be good at gaining insight into my patient's behavior. Sometimes they behave badly and I have to check a urine drug screen, or controlled substance database.
In our practice, we rely heavily on the Electronic Medical Record. It helps us keep track of the prescriptions we have written. We are in the process of evaluating the system we have now, and perhaps changing to a new company, which provides better service, more access to other EMR's around the country, easier access to databases of controlled substances, pharmacies, and imaging studies. It can also access laboratories which contain our patients lab studies. The new system will allow us to easily communicate with other clinics which have the same system, and hopefully in the future, the access will improve and include all clinics. Perhaps someday, we will be able to access hospital records, such as ED visits, discharge summaries, imaging, labs, etc. The system will also reduce the amount of paper generated, as the patients will fill out their check in, and review of systems in the waiting room, with a device similar to an Ipad.
As far as I can see, this will all be good.
Thank you for sharing with us. I enjoyed reading about your work and it makes me excited to know that some day I will have the opportunity to do as you are.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary Jean for sharing about the many facets of your work as an FNP. You sound quite experienced with technology in your workplace. I look forward to learning more, especially about the transition to a new EMR.
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