PATIENT CALL LIGHTS.

The call light is life alert or lifeline.It is a universal standard that demonstrates the quality of care.It should not be abused by anyone.

There are various types of call lights (Regular call lights,call lights for paraplegics and call light for quadriplegics.)

Who should answer the call light?

In my perspective everyone should answer the call lights ,from the Nurse Manager ,assistant Nurse Manager,Charge Nurse ,Registered Nurses and the Nursing assistants should all answer the call lights.Whoever that answer the call light Must notify the primary nurse immediately or assist the patient.

Not My Patient Syndrome must stop. We are members of the Medical Team.We should please work together as a team.Teamwork is the key. Our patients need our help.If your patient need a bedpan,give your patient the bedpan.Do not leave the room to call the nursing assistant.You have two hands .JUST DO IT. Prevent Falls,and provide Safety.Beds in low position at all times and call lights within reach.

Supervisor Notification: If a call light is not answered immediately the call should go directly to the supervisor.The supervisor should hold the Charge Nurse accountable because the Charge Nurse know the patients that need help more than the others .And must distribute the assignment fairly.And the Charge Nurse should hold the Primary Nurse accountable for not responding promptly to the call lights.

The Nurse On Cell Phone.Please put your cell phone away and take care of your patients.You cannot eat your cake and have your cake.If you do not want to work stay home.

Call Light Meaning: Call light means that someone needs help and should receive immediate response.Develop the habit of helping others because you never know when your favorite uncle is on the other side.

Distance of Room: The distance of one patient to the other can make a huge difference.For example Nurse Jenny has a patient in room 202,217,229A 229B and new admission in room 211. Three of those patients are in isolation.Do not set Jenny up for failure.Allow Jenny to fail based on her incompetent,laziness or unpreparedness.Unfair assignment leads to high turnover rate.