Do you use walkie talkies at work?

[Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN]

Ive been thinking about asking my facility to get some for us. I was wondering how beneficial they are, if it makes your job any easier, etc. What's your experience using them?

Also, what brand do you have? Are there any brands that are better than others?

I appreciate any input!!

Dondie

[yousoldtheworld]

The last few places I've worked, the nurses have them, but the aides do not.

However, they are very useful for the nurses - especially when they have to get ahold of another nurse at the other end of the facility.

It'd be great to have them as aides - you'd be able to call for help without leaving the resident or yelling down the hall.

[CoffeemateCNA]

Back when I was a student, the facility I did clinicals at used them. They were WONDERFUL. No running around and looking for people.

Run out of wipes? No problem. "Can someone bring some wipes to room 213?"

Got your residents all ready for transfer with the lift? "Can you come to room 403? I've got the resident ready for transfer. Don't worry about the lift, I have it in here."

Can't find that dratted BP machine? "Is anyone using the vitals machine right now?"

The CNAs all had headsets that they left on all day and had the walkie-talkie portion either in their scrub pockets or clipped to their belt.

I've BEGGED my facility to start using them, but they always decline -- not because of the cost of the walkie-talkies, but because of the battery situation. They say if we are mismanaging the batteries for the lifts, how could we possibly effectively manage rechargeable batteries for the walkie-talkies? **SIGH**

[LaterAlligator]

Yes, we do at my facility, and I cannot imagine doing my job without one. It's a LARGE (3 story, 4 halls per floor) place and without walkies, we couldn't keep track of one another and our residents. Sure we each have our run list and always try to get to "our" residents, but in a place that size you need to be able to say "I'm with 367, can someone answer the call light in 201?" etc.

[e71x]

Nurses and CNA's don't use walkie talkies at work because it helps keep the noise level down. We're using mobile phones.

[DreamyEyes]

We use cell phones at my work.

[MissChloe]

We use walkie-talkies at work. I can't imagine having to shout down the hallway or leave a resident alone just to get help for a lift. The call lights are also broadcasted over the walkies, so you know where you're needed.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

We don't. In some ways I think it would be more convenient, but I'm sure the lazy people would "lose" theirs all the time.

[Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN]

Pros and cons, I see.

Looks like we will have to buy them ourselves. I was thinking of raising money somehow. Like a 50/50 pot. (Everyone pays $2 for a ticket. Whoever gets their ticket drawn wins half and the other half goes toward the expense--with the option of donating the winnings.) CNAs don't make much so we'll have to see.

Thanks everybody!

[Jen{NAR}]

At my facility we use walkies, and believe me they are a blessing in disguise. However, it is a rough job to hunt down one because the previous shift usually misplaces theirs or just leaves them on a table, etc, etc. They are fantastic though because as said before you can just say "please come assist in resident so and so's room for a hoyer"

[Poi Dog]

I wish we were sophisticated enough to have walkies. :nuke:

[LaterAlligator]

At mine, front desk is in charge of them and each shift signs them in and out when you clock in and out. That way they stay charged up (they're plugged in when not in use) and don't get lost. It can be a pain to have to line up to get/give walkies, keys, pager, etc. at the beginning and end of each shift, but it works as far as making sure they're there and working when you need them.