I've heard that the old cellular phones might have interfered, but that today's digital ones don't. I also recall reading something about having to be less than 3 feet from the monitor for there to be any problems. I've never heard of cell phones interfering with pacemakers. My suspicion is that our no cell phone rules in the ICU have more to do with keeping visitors from disturbing patients (and us) talking on their phones. We probably do it in part because that's how it's always been done. I've known some nurses who carried their cell phones, though I've never done it.
Originally Posted by shari_rn
I will be starting my program in August and have had a Blackberry curve for about a year. My phone does not have wi fi,but has the edge which is slower. I downloaded several anesthesia programs from skyscape.com and they work great. Some of the math applications like archimedes do not work , but I hope this gets cleared up with the new os rumored to be released soon. I too am curious about the ability to use phones( wireless internet, not to talk) in the OR.
People say the phones can interfere with pacemakers. In the hospital I work at we are not allowed to use phones in the ICU, however once a patient is on a regular medical/surgical floor they can be used. I have friends that are travel nurses in ICUs around the country and use their cell phones in the ICU.
Does anyone have knowledge of this? Why the inconsistencies? I have never seen a phone cause any interference. Is this just a way to keep people from annoyingly talking on their phones?
I am curious because the internet on my phone is a very useful tool for looking things up sometimes.
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