Internet in ER: Good or Bad??

[nursebrandie28, BSN, RN]

I am posting this thread because as more and more hospitals are going to computer charting and such.....should they block the internet or leave it on?

I work in a variety of hospitals big and small, most hospitals that i work at allow the internet, however, will block certain sites. At one of the hospitals where i am PRN at is a rural small 4 bed ER, well when we have no patients, things are stocked and checklist is done, i like to get on the net and surf. I don't get on any nasty sites or such, just nursing sites or email. Well, we just got a new nurse manager and she said anybody on the internet will be written up..... Asking comrad to comrad....AM I MISSING SOMETHING>>>

Brandie

[smoses99]

I think that having the internet in the ER can be a great help. I couldn't count how many times I have looked things up real quick that changed the treatment and outcome for the pt for the better. I don't see why people would get wrote up if they are not on bad sites.

[bill4745, RN]

Yes, good information can be found. But at my ED, there are too many net addicts, who spend too much time on the computer and don't do their jobs.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

Would she rather you spend your break time reading the National Enquirer? Go Figure, besides this site we're on you and I not only helps with venting (cathartic) but with venting issues; how do we say sputum? (while at work, ie educational). I think you should be bold and tell her that your work should offer CEUs for time well spent!? :+)

This site helps, really it does...some of the stuff we write is just shooting the breeze but most of the time it's helpful and beneficial to the Nursing World at Large...

YOUR boss has some nerve...O OH!! HOLY JIMMINIES.here comes my boss...DELETE/NOSEND?LOL

[pghfoxfan]

Maybe there should be just one computer at the desk with internet access. This way it will be obvious who is doing what. I personally think that every unit should have access. Just the other day, I googled a name of a med that a patient was on because I had no clue what it was. I have often looked up rare diseases that a patient had too.

Keep in mind though, why should smokers get away with several breaks a day for their addiction?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Maybe there should be just one computer at the desk with internet access. This way it will be obvious who is doing what. I personally think that every unit should have access. Just the other day, I googled a name of a med that a patient was on because I had no clue what it was. I have often looked up rare diseases that a patient had too.

Keep in mind though, why should smokers get away with several breaks a day for their addiction?

I agree ... I've googled a number of meds, diseases, studies, etc.

The internet is now a "utility" firmly embedded into modern life and it's obviously here to stay. People probably made similar comments about the telephone when they became common in workplaces.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

There should be at least one computer with net access. You never know when you'll need to look up a rare disease on an unheard of drug.

[StrwbryblndRN]

I agree that the internet is a wonderful place to learn. I use it for everything. The nurse manager may not be fully aware of learning possibilities or maybe do not believe that others will use it wisely. If no one really uses it improperly then maybe the everyone could sw the NM and give the positive side of internet usage. Set up limits and if they are exceeded then discontinuation of the internet usage would be enforced.

Do not be surprised if somebody has already used it improperly after being warned. THis is what has happened before when a supervisor was approached about a deal.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Even though the net is a good learning tool as well as a good place to get teaching material for your patients, there are way to many people that will sit on the computer and not do their work. My facility has gone the gamet with giving access, limiting access etc. but it hasnt worked. There is always one or two people who take advantage, go to sites that have no business being viewed outside of a personal computer at home (we just had 2 people fired for this not long ago). So it is very restricted at my facility and only certain people even know how to get to the point where you can get on the internet. Im sure if the rank and file employees knew how to get to the internet we would have call lights going off and lots of people not getting their job done.

Just remember they can track every log on and what sites are visited under that log on so if you have access use it wisely. I wouldnt do any personal email or site viewing on a facility computer. They may not agree with you as to what is appropriate and isnt.

[grammyr]

We have access in my facility. Many sites can not be accessed, including this one:scrying: My former DON didn't like me finding information that is helpful or just venting to other nurses. We could, until a few weeks ago, access My Space (go figure). If I can't get to All Nurses, I will be #$@#$ if other people can go to my space.

I have on several occasions googled diagnoses or medications for patients who had lots of questions and they really appreciated the info. So far, we have not been banned from educational sites, but who knows

[Katnip, RN]

We had access in our ED until a couple of people on night shift downloaded some Media sites. That was the end of that.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

Keep in mind though, why should smokers get away with several breaks a day for their addiction?

And especially if you are wisely using this great tool and not straying but staying far from the forbidden fruits, should we say...that's its merit!

Scorn on those who view Media while others may be on the brink of losing their sojourn! ;-(