Frequent Nursing Rounds Decrease Call-Light Use

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2006

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, RN · Sep 1, 2006

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, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2006

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 · Sep 1, 2006

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.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Sep 1, 2006

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 · Sep 2, 2006

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 · Sep 2, 2006

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, LPN, RN · Sep 2, 2006

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 · Sep 2, 2006

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.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Sep 2, 2006

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.

:yeahthat:

I'd also made quick trip around telling patients I'd be in someone's room for 45 min if I had extensive wound care to perform/someone critically ill and would check on them again. Made sure they had water/tissues/call light/pain meds allowed me to provide care without multiple interruptions.

Checking back in with patients afterwards, telling them I'd be back in certain time frame with meds/treatment and sticking to that plan as much as possible had minimaly call lights going off. Developing that sense of rapport and trust so important. Worked most of the time... except for that "all about me" patient with infected hangnail

mchrisrn · Sep 2, 2006

Many of our patients and families could NEVER wait ONE HOUR!!!!..They expect every 15 minutes or they or their "loved one" are being ignored. If I would only check in every hour they would probably say "where have you been...we thought you left!"