[sirI]

August 31, 2006 — Nurses' rounds conducted regularly, every 1 or 2 hours, may help decrease patients' use of call lights, as well as increasing safety and level of patient satisfaction, according to the findings of a new study in the September issue of the American Journal of Nursing.

From Medscape Medical News

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...1330&src=nldne

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[Tweety]

Good article. I like to make rounds q1-2h myself. I also wish our CNA's were trained to do the same because some of them take vitals and then wait for the patients to call, rather than see what they need.

Actually to me it's a no brainer, and quite logical that nurse/CNA presence increases patient satisfaction and safety. Just give me a safe ratio and I'd be happy to give it a try!

[TazziRN]

I may have been too sick to want to chat, but I always appreciated when nursing staff came to check on me, just to make sure I didn't need/want anything.

[catlady]

I can't get out of the ICU mindset to check on my patients at least every hour, although I am now on a tele floor. Somehow, though, it doesn't seem to stop them from ringing the light 30 seconds after I've asked them if they need anything else and then left the room.

[SharonH, RN]

I used to do rounds Q1-2h also, it does decrease call light use and knowing you are accessible lets the patients "trust" you. Those patients are less likely to lay on the light for pain and anxiety. It used to be a real problem cleaning up behind someone who only stuck their head in the door for scheduled meds and/or treatments. Their patients were always in a frenzy when I got there.

[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

This is why I love working with a tech. Often, the tech & I will stagger our rounds so that the patients are eyeballed frequently.

[loridoo]

The new Big Man at our hospital says that if a patient has to use the call light that we as staff have failed them. On our 10p-6a shift either the RN or the Tech is supposed to enter the room every hour.

[skipaway]

Originally Posted by loridoo

The new Big Man at our hospital says that if a patient has to use the call light that we as staff have failed them. On our 10p-6a shift either the RN or the Tech is supposed to enter the room every hour.

How do your patients sleep with someone constantly coming to their rooms in the middle of the night? I kind of wish the "Big Man" a night in a hospital that disturbs him hourly. He may think that patients will not notice a quiet entrance into their rooms, but I wake at the drop of a hat. I think his rule is a little unrealistic....now on day and evening shift...I agree with him.

[Marie_LPN, RN]

How do your patients sleep with someone constantly coming to their rooms in the middle of the night?

That's what i'm wondering.

I used to go to the door, and take a look, but i'd never wake someone up and ask if they need anything.

[loridoo]

That's why I used the word supposed. I go listen or peak at the door a lot, but I don't wake them if I don't have to.