What is it with nurses and cell phones? Just a vent.

Nurses Professionalism

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Recently my hospital has upgraded or introduced multiple new computer programs that have required almost every level of nurse from bedside to administration to attend class in order to use the new technology. I have assisted in teaching numerous classes and before each we ask that cell phones be silenced and put away, that if anyone must make or take a call or text to please exit the room and return when done, and not to text while in class or you will be asked to leave. Despite this every class we have multiple violators and the majority when asked to leave are not embarrassed but become angry when asked to follow rules and be respectful of educators and classmates. I can't say it's any one age group since I've had 22 year olds to 70 year olds as the culprits. Sometimes I just have to shake my head at what passes for professionalism these days. This is just a vent, not looking for validation. Have a great day!

Of course I'd do anything necessary to get to my kids, spouse, and mom if any were sick or hurt enough. Don't have any cats, but have dogs, and I hear you. Spouse is allergic to cats...eyeroll.But redhead is right. Those rare instances, and God forbid them, are not what anyone is talking about.

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And, no, I'm sorry. You don't need to be in constant contact with your children. Unless they are in the ICU or something there is no need for any mother to be in constant text communication with them. We all grew up without our moms having cell phones and, somehow, through some miracle we all lived to tell about it.

For some of us, it was a miracle that we lived to tell about it.

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For some of us, it was a miracle that we lived to tell about it.

Some of us did have bad parenting . . . . had nada to do with cell phones though. ;)

If my cat were puking, my cat would take care of it . . . no need for me to rush home. :coollook:

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Specializes in ICU, Med-Surg.

A) I cannot believe how long this got in such a short amount of time.

B) If only you could teach common sense and sound judgement!

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Specializes in OB.
:D

If spouse is not good at emergencies, why not sit down and teach spouse how to handle emergencies? It's pretty important, in my opinion.

ABC and call 911.

^This. I don't really know of anyone who is developmentally intact who could be excused for not being able to learn this.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
:D If spouse is not good at emergencies why not sit down and teach spouse how to handle emergencies? It's pretty important, in my opinion. ABC and call 911.[/quote']This!!!!!!!! Especially if there are children involved.
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Given that I am the one that usually is asked and generally relents to changing my schedule (inconveniencing me and mine) or picks up when they have to leave early.

Thus how they choose to behave, raise children, and how it affects work does affect me. You do not have to like my opinion. It is a bitter one for many to swallow. It is judgemental, just as many of the posters are. We have people that believe forbidding cell phones is old fashioned, others that find them unnecessary. We have some complaining that those of us requiring responsible behavior are not "compassionate" enough. And others that are tired of compassion always being one sided and no care given to those who sacrifice to behave responsibly.

I think that we all seek responsible and mannerly behavior, but have different ideas of what that is. I see cells as inconveniencing those around you, and others do not.

I've been in the same situation, and it sucks. People like that are part of the reason mothers are discriminated against in the work force.

Don't get me wrong, when I could I tried to help them out, covering a shift or staying over when it wasn't my turn. What killed me were the moms who acted like special treatment was owed to them.

If I've covered for you 50+ times, don't be a jerk to me the one time when I can't!

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Specializes in MS, ED.

Wow - this thread really blew up! I've only read some of the responses but am of the mind that we should be able to be present to others in the work environment for the time we're being paid to do so. Do what you like when you're on break or when you go home. I don't see it much different than the previous generally agreed-upon 'no no' of taking non-emergent personal calls at work. /shrug

In my current facility, we have a 'no phone' rule. Phones go in lockers, only to be out during your break off the floor. We are supposed to log in and use facility-approved med guides, protocols and drug calculators if online resources are needed during the shift. If your phone is discovered on your person while you're on the floor (considered a 'patient care area'), you are disciplined. If it happens again, you are terminated and marked 'not for rehire'. Since we have cameras everywhere, numerous folks have been nailed for texting in the med or supply rooms. I think it's silly to let conversational texts cost you a job, but I gather from this thread that others feel differently. Different strokes for different folks, but don't be surprised when other facilities begin to follow suit and this becomes part of the code of conduct.

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Specializes in Pulmonary, Transplant, Travel RN.
:D

If spouse is not good at emergencies, why not sit down and teach spouse how to handle emergencies? It's pretty important, in my opinion.

ABC and call 911.

Not lying here. Not saying this just for effect.

What does it say about them that their spouses can not handle emergencies?

We are nurses. One of our roles is to educate. Why not educate them? If someone you live and sleep with can't learn from you, how do patients you see during little windows of time during the day take to your attempts to educate?

This is, of course, assuming they get off the cell long enough to actually provide the education.

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Specializes in Pulmonary, Transplant, Travel RN.

Can you start a poll mid-thread?

I want to start a poll. We can even make friendly bets on the outcome.

Question: How many of us think, when the cell abusers are at home, its the same story in reverse? They are constantly on the phone, telling everyone to be quiet and stop bothering them because they have to handle some "emergency" work called with or a friend is going through.

Here, I'll make to poll now.

O Click here if you say its the same story at home.

O Click here if you think they are happy and put the phone away at home.

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I am at home, and my cell is not even charged. It's used when I amount of the house. So, when you assume, just remember what assumptions do.

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Specializes in Pulmonary, Transplant, Travel RN.
I am at home, and my cell is not even charged. It's used when I amount of the house. So, when you assume, just remember what assumptions do.

Obviously sent from a cell phone............usually the spelling errors are harder to pick up on the cell phone's smaller screen.

Thats one vote for "its the same story at home".

Wooot Wot. 1-0.

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