ORGANIZATION TIPS
How organized are you during your Monitor visits?
Organization and preparation are keys to successful monitor visit. Each day prepare for your visits by examining each provider's file you are seeing on that day.
TIPS FOR PREPARATION
1. Ask yourself what is the goal of this visit? Then determine what you need to bring and what you need to do to accomplish the goal. Make a checklist and staple it to a folder with the provider’ name on it.
2. Do your research and make sure you have sufficient knowledge to answer provider’s questions.
3. Do you need to bring anything with you to give to the provider (forms, paperwork, information? ) Put it in the folder and check it off your list.
4. What tools are needed to accomplish your goal? For example, specific paperwork, forms, and pens. Have a designated place in your bag to put these items so that you are not rummaging around in your bag for a pen you can’t find.
5. Make folders for forms and informational notices or flyers you are distributing, so that your papers remain neat and not wrinkled or dogged eared.
6. If this is the first time you are visiting the provider, make sure you have clear and correct directions.
7. Arriving on time demonstrates your professionalism, respect for the provider and organization.
8. Have a designated folder that you put all information, forms, and paperwork you collect from providers, so that you don’t loose or misplace important documents.
9. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know but I will find out for you.” It is better to say you don’t know than to give wrong information. If you promise to get an answer to a question, or promise to send out additional forms, have a notebook of designated place where you write down what you need to do when you get back to the office. Then do it as soon as possible and cross it off your list.
10. Clean out your bag every few days so that it does not get filled with useless and unneeded papers, forms, tissues, completed work that should be filed. Having a clean organized bag or folder when you arrive at a provider’s home gives the impression of professionalism and organization.
When you come fully prepared and organized for a visit you are demonstrating that you respect the provider and you take your work and the work of the provider seriously.