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I use the Internet for work related issues. I have helped patients get hotels, flights, etc. using it. They would never take it away where I work.
Many times we don't get a full lunch or a break and someone might need to jump on for a second to take care of a personal matter. No biggie if the work is getting done and it isn't being abused.
We often have extended periods with nothing to do at work. We all are very good at helping each other out if someone is behind. If it's not interfering with our work, why shouldn't we? And obviously, if the websites are appropriate. It's not like we're going to go wake our patients up at 3am for a nice therapeutic communication session.
We are allowed no "unapproved" web access at work (approved sites are accessable on the intranet per our VP of nursing). It is cumbersome when you are attempting to answer a clinical question, yet it could also be equated to a non smoking environment. When the limitations are clear: the policy is followed and disruptions are limited. It really does s*&^ when you are not an offender, but you have to understand the need. What happens is that tech savy nurses bring in their smart phones to circumnavigate the process. There is always a way.
Anxious Patient
524 Posts
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http://boards.medscape.com/forums?128@@.29ee8028!comment=1