Use of cellphones while at work

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jun 10, 2016

This is an example of ZERO tolerance. It is a very big deal.The POLICY is " that we should not carry or use or cellphones at work."

You are in orientation and questioning policy?

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Jun 10, 2016

Follow policy. Otherwise you open yourself up to discipline.

allnurses Guide · Jun 10, 2016

I would follow policy. If your family needs to get ahold of you for something serious (or not serious) they can always call work and leave a message.

I've been a nurse for 19 years and cell phones were not so ubiquitous as they are now. If my kids or husband needed me, they called me at work.

My almost 15 year old son asked for one a year ago and I said no. He asked me how he would get ahold of me from school if he needed me and I said "Do what your older siblings did. Walk into the office and ask to use the phone to call home". Teenagers and cell phones and access to the internet and texting . . . bad idea.

We are too tied to our cell phones. Put it in your locker.

:)

NOADLS · Jun 10, 2016

Keep it in a secure pocket (Velcro/zip) so it doesn't happen again. Even as the supervisor on shift, I know when enforcing such a policy is a losing battle. If your facility is really nit picky about cell phone use, use it in the washroom or an area out of sight.

loriangel14, RN · Jun 10, 2016

We have to leave ours on the report room table. No arguments

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 10, 2016

Sew on an inner pocket (opposite of your external one) and put a good piece of velcro to keep it closed shut. Problem solved. Or use locker with your own lock and key, which should be in the same sewn-in pocket. The latter thing is actually preferred, because I do not think you'll like an idea of cleaning your phone and wallet from what accidentally can splash out of a bedpan, for one of the most common and innocent examples. A key is much easier to deal with in such a case.

P.S. it is the most wonderful thing as an NP student to be finally out of reach of that policy-kissing management :cheeky:

givxnchy · Jun 11, 2016

It's probably because I am too dependant of my phone! As soon as I will have my locker l 'll it in it to prevent another event like that from happening:up:

Scrubs_n_sirens, MSN, RN · Jun 11, 2016

Honestly-- don't work around the rules. It's not worth it. Give your loved ones your work number to contact you in an emergency. And then leave it in your locker or purse. You just said you'll only check it on break-- so take away the temptation. You took the job, so you obviously agreed to follow their rules. Suck it up and hold up your end of the bargain.

Because a cell phone is not worth disciplinary action.

DeeAngel · Jun 11, 2016

Keep it in a locked locker at work. Make certain you specifically take two 15 minutes breaks and a lunch, no matter the circumstances and check your phone then. For the people who *must* be able to get in touch with you, give them the unit's main number and be sure they know what floor/unit you work on. Due to privacy concerns this is policy almost everywhere. I used to work night shift and you would see phones out a bit, but it was people texting, not getting calls and I never once heard a cell phone of staff ring.

Guests · Jun 11, 2016

I was a CNA before the Internet, before cell phones.

I had two small children and a husband who was overseas for active duty.

No one ever had any problems getting ahold of me because I was at work and could be easily found.

I went to college for nursing and people could even find me in class!

I went to clinicals and could be found there too.

Your proximity to your keys, cell phone, and wallet is a "want", not a "need".

How will you feel if you are dismissed or disciplined at your job because you could not be separated from them?

Leave them in your locker.

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2016

Is the cell phone worth 26 paychecks (one year's salary)? If yes, then carry it. If no, then don't.