I just want to get others opinions on this subject. I searched on here and saw where there were some old threads regarding this topic but I wanted to start a new one.
The hospital in which I work started using a tracking device system called Responder 5 about 2 years ago. The staff wears a tracker that has "Versus" on it. I have no problem wearing something that shows that I am working and doing my job because I do just that. This system has a light over the doors of our rooms and the light indicates who is in the room, the CNA, nurse, LPN, etc. I work night shift and we have had ongoing problems with these trackers. First of all, it is supposed to cancel our call light when we walk in the room of the patient calling. It does not work half the time. Then we can be in the rooms giving meds, turning patients, etc. and come out and the light was never on. I have had this happen several times.
With our tracking devices, if they are turned backwards or not pinned up on your shoulder area, they do not work. In my opinion they can be a huge failure and not mistake-proof unless you are constantly making sure it is turned right. If the battery dies you most likely won't know until someone notices your light is never coming on or if your director pulls your tracking report and confronts you saying you have not been in your rooms. If you are on the "get rid of list" you will get fired over this. I have seen many get fired or written up over their tracker and in some cases it has been the battery is dead.
I feel that the facility I currently work in is so focused on these trackers and it has made everyone very nervous. I know when I go in my patient's room I am constantly wondering, "Is my light on outside the room?" It is almost to the point you cannot provide the care you need because of worrying about "not being picked up in the room." Also with our unit they are worried about call lights and we must answer them in a certain amount of time. Well the tracker is supposed to cancel the light when we go in the room. Most nurses take for granted that the tracker is going to do just that and it doesn't which then sends the light into "overtime" and then we have to explain to the nursing supervisor just why did our light go into overtime.
I understand the fact that my facility wants to ensure great patient care but I feel that this tracking device is not the solution. I feel that there needs to be a much more
mistake-proof tracking system. We have a lot of issues with being in the room and the sensor never picks us up. I have tried to discuss with my director but I get a answer like, "have the battery changed". I have had my battery changed along with my co-workers several times and still nothing changes.
I just want to see what everyone else thinks and if anyone else has the same issues with this system.