Electronic Health Records (EHR) in US Hospitals: What International Nurses Should Prepare For
Meta Title: Electronic Health Records (EHR) in US Hospitals: A Complete Guide for International Nurses
Meta Description: Learn how Electronic Health Records (EHR) work in U.S. hospitals. Discover what international nurses should expect, common EHR systems, documentation tips, and how GlobeMed Resources helps you prepare.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) in US Hospitals: What International Nurses Should Prepare For
One of the biggest adjustments international nurses face when beginning their careers in the United States is learning how to use Electronic Health Records (EHR). Unlike paper-based documentation systems still used in some healthcare settings around the world, nearly all U.S. hospitals rely on digital patient records to improve communication, enhance patient safety, and streamline healthcare delivery.
For international nurses, understanding EHR systems before arriving in the United States can significantly reduce stress during orientation and help build confidence in clinical practice.
Whether you are a nurse from Turkey, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa, India, or another country, this guide explains what you should know about Electronic Health Records before starting your nursing career in America.
What Is an Electronic Health Record (EHR)?
An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a secure digital version of a patient's medical record that allows healthcare professionals to access, update, and share patient information in real time.
Instead of using paper charts, hospitals store patient information electronically, making it easier for healthcare teams to coordinate care efficiently.
An EHR typically contains:
Patient demographics
Medical history
Allergies
Current medications
Laboratory results
Radiology reports
Physician notes
Nursing assessments
Vital signs
Care plans
Medication administration records
Discharge summaries
The goal of an EHR is to improve patient care while reducing medical errors.
Why Do U.S. Hospitals Use EHR Systems?
Electronic Health Records have become the standard across American healthcare because they provide numerous benefits.
Improved Patient Safety
Healthcare providers can quickly access accurate patient information, helping reduce medication errors and duplicate treatments.
Faster Communication
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and other healthcare professionals can access the same patient information instantly.
Better Care Coordination
Patients often receive care from multiple departments. EHR systems ensure that everyone involved has access to updated clinical information.
Reduced Paperwork
Digital documentation minimizes paper records and improves efficiency.
Regulatory Compliance
Hospitals use EHR systems to meet federal healthcare documentation and quality reporting requirements.
Common EHR Systems Used in U.S. Hospitals
Different hospitals use different electronic record systems.
Some of the most widely used platforms include:
Epic
Epic is one of the largest and most commonly used EHR systems in the United States.
Features include:
Patient charting
Medication administration
Clinical documentation
Laboratory integration
Appointment scheduling
Oracle Health (formerly Cerner)
Oracle Health is widely used in hospitals and healthcare networks.
It supports:
Clinical documentation
Electronic prescribing
Laboratory reporting
Care coordination
MEDITECH
Many community hospitals use MEDITECH because of its comprehensive clinical features and user-friendly interface.
athenahealth
Often used in outpatient clinics and physician practices, athenahealth supports patient records, billing, and appointment management.
Regardless of the platform, the basic principles of electronic documentation remain similar.
What International Nurses Should Expect During Orientation
Most U.S. hospitals provide formal EHR training before nurses begin independent patient care.
Training may include:
Computer login procedures
Password security
Patient chart navigation
Documentation standards
Medication administration workflows
Order review
Clinical alerts
Discharge documentation
Many hospitals also assign a preceptor who guides new nurses through documentation during the first several weeks.
Learning to Navigate the Patient Chart
Every patient chart contains multiple sections.
Common tabs include:
Patient Information
Basic demographic details and emergency contacts.
Medical History
Previous illnesses, surgeries, allergies, and chronic conditions.
Medication List
Current medications and administration schedules.
Laboratory Results
Blood tests, cultures, and diagnostic reports.
Nursing Documentation
Assessments, interventions, progress notes, and care plans.
Physician Orders
Treatment instructions, medications, imaging requests, and laboratory orders.
Learning where information is located will make your daily workflow much easier.
Nursing Documentation Best Practices
Documentation is one of the most important responsibilities of every nurse.
Good documentation should be:
Accurate
Complete
Objective
Timely
Clear
Professional
Avoid documenting assumptions or personal opinions.
Instead, record observable facts and patient responses.
Medication Administration Using EHR
Most U.S. hospitals integrate medication administration with electronic systems.
Nurses commonly use barcode scanning to verify:
The correct patient
The correct medication
The correct dose
The correct route
The correct time
This technology significantly improves patient safety.
Protecting Patient Privacy
Patient confidentiality is a legal and ethical responsibility.
International nurses must understand regulations related to patient privacy.
Important practices include:
Never sharing passwords
Logging out when leaving a workstation
Accessing only assigned patient records
Protecting confidential information
Reporting security concerns immediately
Failure to follow privacy policies can result in disciplinary action.
Common Challenges for International Nurses
Learning a new electronic documentation system can feel overwhelming during the first few weeks.
Some common challenges include:
Unfamiliar Medical Terminology
Certain abbreviations and documentation styles may differ from those used in your home country.
Speed of Documentation
Experienced nurses often document quickly because they are familiar with the system.
New nurses should focus on accuracy before speed.
Multiple Documentation Requirements
Several patient care activities require documentation throughout each shift.
These include:
Assessments
Medication administration
Pain reassessment
Patient education
Care planning
Shift handoffs
With regular practice, documentation becomes faster and more efficient.
Tips for Learning an EHR System Quickly
Take Notes During Training
Write down important shortcuts and frequently used screens.
Practice Whenever Possible
Many hospitals provide practice environments for new employees.
Ask Questions
Never hesitate to ask your preceptor or educator for clarification.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Small efficiencies can save significant time during busy shifts.
Review Documentation Policies
Understanding hospital documentation standards helps prevent errors.
Benefits of Becoming Comfortable with EHR Systems
Once nurses become familiar with electronic documentation, they often experience:
Improved efficiency
Better patient communication
Increased confidence
More accurate documentation
Enhanced teamwork
Better clinical decision-making
Strong EHR skills are valuable throughout your nursing career and can increase employment opportunities.
How GlobeMed Resources Helps International Nurses Prepare
Beginning a nursing career in the United States involves more than passing the NCLEX-RN examination. International nurses must also adapt to American healthcare technology, documentation standards, and workplace expectations.
GlobeMed Resources has successfully placed more than 500 nurses in healthcare facilities throughout the United States. Their experienced team understands the challenges international nurses face and provides guidance throughout every stage of the recruitment and relocation process.
GlobeMed Resources assists with:
NCLEX-RN preparation guidance
Licensing support
Employer placement
Immigration assistance
Relocation guidance
Career planning
Transition support for working in U.S. hospitals
Their goal is to help international nurses begin successful and confident careers in America's healthcare system.
Final Thoughts
Electronic Health Records are now an essential part of nursing practice in the United States. Although learning a new documentation system may seem challenging at first, hospitals provide extensive training and ongoing support to help international nurses succeed.
By understanding the basics of EHR systems before arriving in America, practicing good documentation habits, and asking questions during orientation, you can transition smoothly into your new nursing role and provide safe, high-quality patient care.
Contact GlobeMed Resources
Website: www.globemedresources.com
Email: [email protected]
Ready to begin your nursing career in the USA? Contact GlobeMed Resources today and let our experienced team guide you through every step of your journey—from licensing and employment to relocation and career success.
