iPod use in LTC facility

Nurses General Nursing

Published

When I first started clinical 2yrs ago the use of an iPod was really frowned on d/t it looking like you were not working. Now some universities have it listed on their supply list. Now that it is being utilized for it's worth in training, is it noticed on the floors? Is anyone out there working in LTC using it as a tool? Is it permitted? Thanks:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

At my facility we have ipod touches that are connected to the call bell system. You get an instant message when somebody is ringing telling you what room. Also we use facetime chat to communicate to nurses on the other unit when away from the phones.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

I use my personal ipod at work (LTC) - Davis Drug Book, epocrates pill Id, and a lab value program most often.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Institution policy...

Some do some don't.

I left a hospital in San Diego that would write you up on the spot if you even had one out.

(It didn't matter if you had your ACLS algorithms installed or not)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Our nursing program required us to have an ipod touch or iphone and buy a very expensive app ($180 for the app alone). The app has to be used to complete med sheets at our clinical site. The LTC staff didn't care if we used them openly but the hospital staff where we are currently at gets peeved if we use our ipods even at the nurses station. I guess they get written up if they even have their phones on them, much less have them out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Administration.

We cannot use any type of electronic device in my facility. It leaves me at a total disadvantage because I love using resources. It makes no sense to me but the powers that be strongly enforce this rule. Hopefully things will change because I'm about ready to quit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have an iphone and I am frequently looking up meds, MD phone numbers/addresses. I mostly use it to message with the doctor and to look up things on the internet for work (we dont have any computers for nurse use)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Texting and talking on cells phones is forbidden at my LTC. I too have the Davis Drug Guide and a few other medical apps on my phone, it's helped tremendously in my med pass. No, I wasn't given permission to use the apps during my shift, but I've come to learn that I am responsible for my license and would rather be safe than sorry!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks everyone. I agree it can make it easier when you can have information at your finger tips. I have notes on mine reminding me of SBAR, care plans etc. I know home health nurses are really utilizng them. I hope more apps will be created that might appeal to the facilities :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In nursing school we had PDAs provided to us with expensive nursing software for which was part of our fees. When i started working, I used my iPhone as a timer mostly. I set an alarm for every hour I needed to give meds. I also would set reminders for other thing too. It really helped so I wouldnt forget anything. I didn't get cell signal in the hospital and we had Internet on our computers I could use to look up stuff.

Now doing hopspice, I couldnt do it without my iPhone. I need it as a phone, GPS, Internet reference and much more.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

I keep my android phone on me at work; it is frowned upon, but it can be quite handy. The other night I had no idea what the ICD-9 code was for gout, and just googled it (I needed the code to fill out a lab requisition form).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Cell phones are not really allowed on the floors where I work in LTC however I do use my Ipod touch with no issues despite the facility having no wifi which is fine with me

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment