Vocera or Alternative?

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Specializes in OB.

What do you all use for internal communication in your units? Do you use Vocera? Do you like it? I'm most interested in hearing what alternatives are being used out there.

We have Vocera, but it doesn't work well most of the time...

Thanks!

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Vocera is a colossal turd. We just have internal cell phones called ASCOM i think, for the entire hospital. Much easier to learn 4 numbers for someone as opposed to the full name.

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We use ASCOM too.

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Vocera is a colossal turd. We just have internal cell phones called ASCOM i think, for the entire hospital. Much easier to learn 4 numbers for someone as opposed to the full name.

LOL had to laugh over the "colossal turd" comment! We have Vocera, and I agree it does not work well when you really need it too. Mostly in emergencies. How convenient, huh? :facepalm:

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We just got Vocera. Prior to this we used yelling down the halls or frantically searching every room on the unit, or the dreaded overhead page.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, L&D, Postpartum Couplet Care.

We have Vocera but never use it because, like cellphones, they're subject to weak signals and can be unreliable (especially in our maternal child dept)

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.

We use iphones. They work fine except they are clunky to carry around in your pocket. They have some kind of chunky protective case on them that makes it heavy.

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I've been in hospitals where they have used Cisco phones plus a middleware named Extension. We would receive our nurse call alerts to the phone.

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I am a communications professional and I can scarcely believe that Vocera is sold into hospitals. There are far better systems that are much easier to use and significantly cheaper. A Motorola Digital system far better and very well received by absolutely every hospital it ever gets installed into.

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Specializes in OB (with a history of cardiac).

We have Vocera, and it's become a point of amusement to see how long it takes before the stupid "genie" recognizes our name so we can log in. The other night a gal with a pretty simple, common name had to try about 9 times before it recognized her!

"Vocera"

"Log Out"

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that. Vocera?"

"LOG OUT"

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that? Vocera?"

"LOG OUUUT!!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't understand. Vocera?"

"*** YOU!!!"

*Snide male voice* "I beg your pardon?"

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Specializes in Obstetrics.

We also use ASCOM. The call lights go to the phones as well if the patient decides to call us on that rather than call us directly. I did a rotation at a hospital that used Vocera and it seemed like a royal pain. Glad we don't use it!

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Specializes in Maternal-Fetal.

We just run the halls! This is a new place for me and my previous workplace used Ascom phones. I really wish we had something because it is inevitable that I am unable to find anyone whenever I need immediate help. :confused:

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