Super User Wanda Butters

Making the EHR Epic

With Epic's go-live just around the corner, our Super Users are leading the way. These clinicians are going through additional training so they can support their peers when the new system arrives. One of them is Wanda Butters, Clinical Nurse, who is helping her colleagues get ready for what will be a big shift for all of us. While preparing for the move to Epic EHR on December 5th, Butters shared some of her thoughts, feelings, hopes and excitement about the new system

Having firsthand experience of the differences between Cerner and Epic, Butters noted that the shift might feel big at first, but it will pay dividends in the long run. “My experience with Epic so far has been positive...there is definitely a learning curve, but I am finding Epic to be more organized and user-friendly as I become familiar with the workflow,” Butters shared.

Reflecting on how the new system will better serve both clinicians and patients, Butters believes “it will improve efficiency by allowing clinicians to access patient information, documentation, orders, medications, results, and communication in a more integrated system…having more information available in one place can help decrease unnecessary steps and allow nurses to spend more time focusing on patient care.” For Butters, this is the most exciting part of the transition to Epic: an opportunity to have a better connected and streamlined EHR.

Her big takeaway from training? Patience is key. Butters recommends not focusing solely on memorizing every screen, but understanding workflow from beginning to end. As proficiency increases, Epic’s customization options will allow users to create a setup that works best for them.

“The Epic training has helped me understand not only how the system works, but also how important teamwork and support will be during implementation,” said Butters. “Having worked in Cerner from the beginning of build and implementation, I understand that changing to a different electronic health record can initially feel challenging. I see my role as helping staff remain confident, answering questions, sharing what I have learned, and helping troubleshoot workflows during the transition. I am excited to be part of the change and to help make the transition as smooth as possible for both clinicians and patients.”