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

[fakebee]

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!

[LCinTraining]

And you are again wrong. . Computers come with auto correct as well. I may not always spell check a forum post. I'm not at work, and so I am not as meticulous in my leisure writing. So forgive me if I may not be as perfect as you seem to be. However, this is evidence that Internet culture will not change. When one does not like the direction of a debate, negate the entire post by pointing out a spelling error magically makes you right. Oh wait. It doesn't.

[Guest343211]

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.

I think its ridiculous to have to lock up your cell. I have so much stuff on my iphone. Some of the stuff was required for school. Love my iPad, but it's too worrisome to carry it around in the hospital. Can't put it in my pocket. Don't know if the new, small iPad would fit?

Just b/c some folks are idiots does not mean people should be penalized for having smart devices.

[redhead_NURSE98!, ADN, BSN]

And you are again wrong. Computers come with auto correct as well. I may not always spell check a forum post. I'm not at work, and so I am not as meticulous in my leisure writing. So forgive me if I may not be as perfect as you seem to be. However, this is evidence that Internet culture will not change. When one does not like the direction of a debate, negate the entire post by pointing out a spelling error magically makes you right. Oh wait. It doesn't.

Did you hear the sound of the point whooshing over your head?

[BabyRN2Be]

I went to a breastfeeding conference a few years ago and there were these two NICU girls who thought they were more important than anyone at the conference. Not only did they have the most annoying ring tone, but they had it set on the loudest ring possible. Not only did they ignore the speaker's request to put the phone on silent, they would take the call LOUDLY before exiting the room. This comference material was essential to my job and I couldn't get enough of it during the four days we were there. The last day we had a certification exam, and the speaker asked ONCE AGAIN that phones MUST be silent. About 10 minutes into the exam, sure enough we heard the familiar, annoying ring tone went off and she took the call loudly without leaving. I tell you that at that point everyone had it and just about everyone in the room went SHHHHH!!!!!!! loudly. Another gal really let her have it along with a few others. She sniffed and whined, "Well. I'm a NICU nurse and my job is more important!" (I know for a fact that she wasn't the only NICU nurse there). It was then the fireworks exploded among everyone and she was asked to leave... with no refund because of her blatant disrespect for the class despite many warnings. I really don't carry a cell with me. I carry it in case of emergency. It's not an iPhone and even though it'd be nice to have, it's not a need. I hate overhearing convos on them. The worst being in an OB/GYNs office and someone was explaining in explicit details about the vag bleeding and genital warts which brought her there in the first place! Hubby and I didn't go out for lunch that day. :)

[AshtonsAunt76]

Hey guys,

Cell phones are my pet peeve also. I was just made unit manager 3 months ago, and I caught many many nurses texting while sitting right beside the doctors. The doctors complain and say we are lazy, so I again, tell them. No one listened to me. It made me irate. Long story short, I gave that job back, and am moving to a more positive unit.

[Milo27]

I text all the time at work Guess what I am still a good nurse!

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

You could have just texted that to all of us..............

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I text all the time at work Guess what I am still a good nurse!

Sez you. I wonder what your colleagues think.

[MedChica]

I'd never have my phone out during a meeting. That's rude.

I did go out and buy a smartphone because I saw how useful they are to nurses that I work with. It's handy to have around vs a drug book. I only know my drugs by prefix/suffix and, sometimes, I'll run across a drug that I need to look it up. Once I was at the nursing station just looking up a drug and rec'vd a 'talking to' for that. :/

Other than that? I don't tinker around on the phone. I'm not really into social networking and I've entirely too much work to do to be shooting the breeze. I don't know about anyone else but I prefer to get off work 'on time'.

Not that it matters, ANYWAY, since the nurse relieving me tries her best to not show up 'on time'.

...but that's another thread.

LOL

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

I imagine this thread is as controversial and heated as the ADN vs. BSN threads. I can tell you that I've never texted at the nurses' station but see nurses do it all the time. I've texted on my break though in the hallway, in the elevator, and in the lobby. I guess it's just a values/productivity issue.

I don't think it's limited to nurses. Everyone and their mother (yes their mother and sometimes grandmother) are constantly fiddling with their cellphones these days.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

I still wonder who in the name of God people are texting at 3am on 3rd shift...... I'll never understand texting culture, and I'm glad I don't.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I text all the time at work Guess what I am still a good nurse!

I am highly curious.......Why? Why do you text all the time at work?

What is so imperative that you must feel impelled to communicate instantly and "stay in touch" with every single second of every day. Frankly, I find the idea of that exhausting.

I am not being mean.....I am really curious. Many nurses find it difficult to find time to drink water and use the facilities...catch a deep breath. Where are you finding the extra time to type and communicate...carry on conversations....with people during work hours.

It has been proven that distracted driving impairs you to a greater extent than alcohol...in fact many states/cities are passing legislation about texting and driving because of the impairment/distraction it causes........how do you feel texting does not impair you nor the care you deliver to your patients.

Although my teen has strict regulations with the use of her phone. I truly want to know....I find the obsession with the electronic devices...fascinating.