Use of cellphones while at work

[givxnchy]

I'm a nursing student currently working in LTC as a CNA this summer. The policy is that we should not carry or use or cellphones at work.

I personnally feel uncomfortable if I don't have those 3 things on me while I am not at home: my keys, my wallet and my cellphone, because if anything happens I'll probably need one of these things, so I always carry them in my pockets. I put my phone on do not disturb so it won't ring or vibrate. I'd NEVER use it or look at it while im on the unit, only during my break ofc. But today (third day of orientation), it fell off my pocket while I was picking something on the ground and there was like 4-5 CNA around me and an ergotherapist.

The ergotherapist was " ooooh you should keep that in your locker!! " and all the CNA's were really cool about it and told her that the hospital could call me ANYTIME (and they can), etc. I just hope I won't be reported for a thing like this.

Is it REALLY such a big deal to carry your cellphone even if it's turned off? I totally agree that nobody should use them, but I don't see what's wrong with carrying them..

What do you all think?!

[Flatline, BSN, RN]

I have traveled to several large teaching facilities that provide iPhones for inter facility communications, kind of like Voicera but with texting.

[BlinkyPinky]

I can't speak for that poster, but at my endo facility, absolutely I do. I cannot IMAGINE having time to"send flirty texts" or check facebook. Those patients are coming out like they are the chocolates on the conveyor belt on that I love Lucy episode. On the rare occasion that I'm actually caught up, then I'm supposed to be checking the Communication notebook, where we have to read articles and take little quizzes on them. If you're done with that, well, better start stocking the rooms. That's our responsibility on a daily basis. If I've done all that, then I'd better be helping one of my colleagues by taking out an IV, washing down a dirty bed and making it up again with clean linens, taking a patient in a wheelchair downstairs to meet his ride, etc.

There is ALWAYS something we could be doing at my job, to the point that I'm completely exhausted when I get home from the nonstop pace. We don't have chairs or stools either, so we are on our feet for the entire 8-9 hours. Facebook? Uh, no.

When I'm circulator at the private OR where I work, I often have time to surf for just a little bit if I'm caught up, the surgeon/scrub nurse doesn't need anything, I've pulled the next case, etc. Especially if it's a long, tedious surgery.

JMO- but your job sounds like Hades.

[BlinkyPinky]

Just have a crazy question. OP noted in a subsequent post that she will leave her phone in her locker when it is assigned. Out of curiosity, is it reasonable to be expected to leave your phone (cost is now upward of $400) in an unlocked, nonsecured area? At my last job I did not have a locker, so I carried my phone, my keys and my wallet at all times. I would never leave these items in a staff room. Even if the room is locked, it is shared with strangers.

***

No F way I am leaving an expensive high-quality computer , which is what smart phone really is , on some table in a staff area. No-Can-Do on that one. and as another member said, you just know darn well the facility would not G AF when ( and NOT IF)', your iPhone is "misplaced"

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

We are allowed to carry them and even have an app that we can use to text providers. I use mine all the time to check spelling for charting,check on compatabilities,looking up a medical word I do not know and many other work related things.Your employer needs to come out of the dark ages but if they will not you must comply and hide it and not get caught.

[TruvyNurse]

I prn at a facility that is "zero tolerance." I told them flat out I WOULD keep my phone in my pocket at all times. I WOULD NOT keep my phone in my locker. If my kids need me or are hurt, they come first, period. I've not been disciplined or spoken to about.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

JMO- but your job sounds like Hades.

haha. There have been days where I would totally agree.

I've let that PRN job slide now and just work the OR. I'm happier and not so sore/tired all the time.

[dec2007]

." my question is should I safe care this nurse?

Please, what does this phrase mean?

[tracey101]

safe care is when another nurse or employee does something that is unprofessional, instead of going to the unit manager it goes to the supervisors. I don't like to complain, however, she was very rude! and one of them nurses that safe cares everybody for one thing or another. I understanding using a cell phone at work, I have had to use mine as an RN supervisor many times, but she is watching you tube videos etc. ( nothing to do with work) and I am one of the people that still care to do my job correctly. She made several comments to me like " oh I hate him" ( referring to a patient) and " just chart who cares if you hit wrong keys, or go into the wrong area, nobody care" ( well I care!).