noise reduction in ICU

Specialties MICU

Published

How do you reduce your noise level in ICU--especially at night?

Cindy

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Specializes in Cardiac Tele, MICU RN.

Dim the lights and take orders carry-out for the unit. Believe me, everbody eating, everybody quiet.:smokin:

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Specializes in CCU.

There are noise reduction curtains for hospitals and some are light blocking. We have also purchased noise reduction machines that when playing, sound like the ocean, wind, white noise and two others that I can't recall. I will try to get the name of the company when I work tommorrow night. I sent the wish list for the curtains to purchasing a yr. ago but no luck yet. Years ago we offered ear plugs-and I am serious. It work well but did not last for long. Another way to make if a bit better is to explain the reasons to pt/families on adm- along w/ being awaken for labs, x-rays, etc. We tried putting up posters for staff as reminders which said "QUiet Zone" " Pt Resting". This worked for awhile until staff got used to seeing them. It is great that you are also concerned:heartbeat

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Specializes in Not too many areas I haven't dipped into.

I believe that noise is a huge problem in the ICU...wheeling in new admits, people crashing alarms going nuts.

I don't think we can ever get it quiet but we do practice light dimming, shutting the glass doors if possible for pts, and reminding each other when we start to get loud. Our unit is a huge circle with 18 rooms and it is amazing how sound travels in there.

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