Cell phones and equipment

[General E. Speaking, RN, RN]

There are signs posted everywhere in our ICU about not using cell phones. I realize that it would be unprofessional to jibberjab through the halls talking, but isn't this idea that it interferes with equipment old school? I mean, I routinely see the docs texting and using their cell phones.

[CABGx4, ASN, BSN, MSN, CRNA]

everyone's on 'em here. beats me!

[General E. Speaking, RN, RN]

Does anyone else have signs posted in their units?

One of our charge nurses goes balistic if he see's any staff w/ a cell phone (even in the breakroom). I am finding it hard to tell family members that they cannot use their cell phones in the pt rooms when they see the docs trotting by on their phones.

[grandmawrinkle]

You know, I have always been told you can't have cellphones due to interference with the monitors, but I have to think that it's bunk. I've worked in monitored areas my entire career (10+ years) and never seen it happen. Is there any scientific basis to this? I would like to know, as well as the OP.

I personally am in favor of cellphones being kept out of critical care areas on the part of visitors as much as possible. It can be disruptive to patient care as it is just another noise to sift through. Most waiting rooms and lobbies/holding areas in hospitals in my local areas have a courtesy sign up to have your cell phones off....I think it applies to hospitals too.

[WalkieTalkie, RN]

I'm pretty sure this dates back to the dawn of cellular technology (i.e. bag phones and the Zach Morris phone). Nearly every nurse, doctor, and family member who sets foot in my unit has a cell phone on them. I've never seen the monitors have interference.

Our unit also has these obsolete signs posted.

Found a few articles about it: Study: Cell Phone Interference With Medical Devices Lower Than Thought | Trumblog

Interference with Pacemakers and Other Medical Devices

Medical News: Mayo Appears Resistant to Cell Phone Interference - in Public Health & Policy, Practice Management from MedPage Today

[AirforceRN, RN]

The concern stemmed from the old analog (Zach Morris) type phones which could cause some interference. The new digital phones apparently don't cause this issue however many floors have left the signs posted. I personally agree with keeping the signs up. When family members are in visiting their ill loved-ones, they should be concentrating on their time together and not their cell phones.

My two cents

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

I really find it hard to believe that cell phones interfere with monitoring equipment because I see family members on their cell phones (and sometimes patients, if they're not sedated!) all of the time. Most managers will flip if we have our phones out but in the breakroom it's okay.

[BellaInBlueScrubsRN]

I think I saw on Mythbusters that they don't interfere.

We have signs posted.

Families are also under the impression that they interfere. Fine with me!

A lot of nurses have em. Like every doc does. I've never had a prob with interference.

I just think its rude for a ridiculously loud ringtone to go off or yelling into it when I am speaking or working in the room. Mainly its families that are the worst.

[rnicupcu]

My concern about cell phones in the hospital relates to privacy. So many cells have cameras and videos and are potential threats to pts privacy.....for example..... a visitor with a cell could take a pic or video of a pt and post it on the internet....horrors not only re: HIPPA and that entire avenue for the hospital but simply horrible for the pt! ANyone else ever worry about such?

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

does anyone else have signs posted in their units?

one of our charge nurses goes balistic if he see's any staff w/ a cell phone (even in the breakroom). i am finding it hard to tell family members that they cannot use their cell phones in the pt rooms when they see the docs trotting by on their phones.

tell them that the docs use hospital-issued or compliant cell phones that or compatible with our equipment. it's true in our hospital. although with the nurses using their cell phones all of the time, it's hard to ask the families not to. we still have signs all over warning against cell phone use. we also have signs everywhere asking visitors not to just barge into patient rooms, especially if the curtains are pulled. they do that all the time also.

[General E. Speaking, RN, RN]

Thanks for the great insight!