How common is it for cell phones to be assigned to nurses in other hospitals? They drive me crazy! Throughout the shift is filled with constant interruptions. I understand how useful they are with calling docs and other departments. And I work on a tele floor so it buzzes us when something is off with someone's heart monitor--which is useful. The phones are also connected to call bells as well. But the amount of calls we get and interruptions amaze me. There are times where I have to stop and recalibrate my brain because I completely lost track of what I was about to do!
So much for minimizing interruptions for safer patient care...it seems like we can't work without it but at the same time can't work well with it. Sigh.