Call Lights

I really have no idea why people can't answer a light. I understand if you are prepping meds or something, but just sitting and talking is no reason not to answer a call light.

I had a frustrating weekend with the call lights, since many of our patients seemed to be very needy. I am amazed how a person is able to ignore the same sound that is driving me crazy. Some of the nurses I work with do not answer call lights.....period. They have no problem letting me answer light after light, until I say something.

I can't ignore any repetitive sound at work, I'll rip my hair out. A lot of my needier patients have complimented me on my quickness to answer a call light. The only time I'll let a call light linger is if I'm in the middle of passing meds or just physically can't get to it (other patient on the toilet, elbow deep in dirty sheets, etc.). In those instances I hope that an aide will answer it because 9/10 call lights are for ice water or bedpans.

How can people let these go? Really? I have noticed certain staff members (not going to specify aide or nurse as I do not want to start that fight)who will sit and gab and not answer a incessantly ringing light? Why??

I don't know., the same way they sit next to a ringing phone and can't answer it. Or stuff more linen into an obviously full linen bag...always the same people!

My favorite part of working on an adult psych unit is........ no call lights! The cords are considered a suicide risk.