What is it with nurses and cell phones? Just a vent.

[fakebee]

Recently my hospital has upgraded or introduced multiple new computer programs that have required almost every level of nurse from bedside to administration to attend class in order to use the new technology. I have assisted in teaching numerous classes and before each we ask that cell phones be silenced and put away, that if anyone must make or take a call or text to please exit the room and return when done, and not to text while in class or you will be asked to leave. Despite this every class we have multiple violators and the majority when asked to leave are not embarrassed but become angry when asked to follow rules and be respectful of educators and classmates. I can't say it's any one age group since I've had 22 year olds to 70 year olds as the culprits. Sometimes I just have to shake my head at what passes for professionalism these days. This is just a vent, not looking for validation. Have a great day!

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I used to have a colleague who would text on her cell phone while using the Pyxis ... SERIOUSLY??

Although I hate seeing nurses constantly text while on the floor and at the nurses station, I admit I have my phone on me too but I only look at it when all my other work is done. If I get a text or a call, I respond to it when I am free, I don't need to respond right away. The nurses I am talking about are constantly on the phone texting incessantly while doing their work. If they are charting, they immediately stop the second a text comes in. I finish charting and then answer a phone or text. It's called priorities and courtesy. No one needs to be tethered to a cell phone 24/7. Five minutes lag to respond to an incoming message or call will not destroy the world.

Also, if I see you texting on the phone at the nurses station and I need help with a patient, I have to assume that you are free to help and I will call you out on it. We are getting paid to team work and get the job done, not to text. The world does not end if you stop texting midway. If there is a code blue, do you wait to finish your text before responding with compressions or the code cart? God, you better not be working with me if you answer 'yes' ...

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[Sam J.]

What I haven't seen mentioned are the cameras and recording capabilities of cell phones, etc. For that reason alone there should be a total ban on them in any healthcare arena. There is no other way to prevent people from violating patient privacy, which makes the news routinely: protected information appears on social media daily. Aside from that I feel assaulted when I have to listen to people talking on cell phones. I agree with BlueDevil as well- and I'd take it one step further by clearly stating that any cell phone or recording device or whatnot used in an exam room will terminate the visit, but not the office charges. People just don't get it.