I would appreciate some feedback on how to get nurses to help answer call lights. I work on a med-surg/oncology floor. I alternate working both the floor and also as charge nurse. Our ratio is typically 5-6 and we have 1-2 CNAs. We have a paging system at the UC desk so we can page back into the room and ask the patient what they need. If the UC is not at the desk (they leave at midnight) and a call light goes off, I have a select few RNs and some CNAs who WILL NOT get up and answer the light. They will not go to the phone to what the patient needs nor will they go directly to the room. I mean they will not budge from their seats. Whether or not it's their patient doesn't seem to factor in, they will let them go and go.
It doesn't seem to be an RN vs. CNA problem; it is made very clear at our facility that answering call lights is everyone's responsibility, but some of these people turn into Helen Keller the second an IV starts beeping or a call bell rings. I am not referring to nurses who are busy with other patients, reviewing orders, calling docs, or any of the other tasks that bog us down. I am talking about nurses who are sitting at the nurse's station playing on their phones, talking with other nurses, etc. I feel they are blatantly taking advantage of those of us who cannot sit by while the lights and alarms go off as they know we'll answer them eventually. It's not an option ignore the lights in return because only the patients will suffer.
Does anyone have any advice on how to facilitate a change and get these nurses off their behinds?
