In an eldercare or senior living community, medical needs can arise at any moment—and when they do, it is important for patients to have easy access to medical care. That’s why nurse call systems are such important tools in assisted living centers, in hospitals and beyond.
But what are nurse call systems, exactly? There’s a little more complexity and sophistication to them than you might imagine, and a number of ways in which they can enhance patient safety. Let’s take a closer look at the application of nurse call systems for assisted living centers and nurse call systems for hospitals.
The Basics of Nurse Call Systems
In principle, nurse call technology is straightforward. They provide an easy way for the patient to immediately call a member of the medical team and let them know they have an immediate need. Because patients may not be especially ambulatory, having an efficient way to contact the nursing station, at any time, is key. It’s no exaggeration to say that a nurse call system can provide a lifeline between patients and nursing staff.
But as you might imagine, not all nurse call systems are created equal—and depending on the nurse call system supplier you choose, you may receive a number of unique features. Here are just a few perks that you might experience in a nurse call system.
- Alternate breath calls. Some patients may not be able to speak very well, or they may have a high degree of paralysis that makes it challenging for them to operate a phone or device. An alternate breath system allows the patient to summon their nurse simply by inhaling into a certain tube.
- Pillow speakers. Pillow speakers are so named because they’re present beside the patient’s bed. Not only do they allow the patient to call the nursing station as needed, but many of them will also allow the patient to control overhead lights, adjust their TV, etc.
- Wall stations. Most nurse call systems will come with a wall station, which has a microphone and speaker the patient can use to call the nurse. There may also be a Code Blue button that can be pressed in real emergencies. And, these wall stations may be connected to ventilators, IV drips, and other life support equipment. They can be programmed to automatically summon the nurse when any of these systems go into alarm.
- Desk console. This is the equipment that’s left on the nurse’s station, and in most instances, it just looks like a standard telephone. This is the device that members of the nursing team can use to make or receive calls into patient rooms.
- Code Blue signals. We mentioned this earlier, but a Code Blue is a facility-wide alarm that goes off and lets members of the medical team know that there is someone who needs immediate care. Code blue signals can be placed on the nursing station, in patient rooms, and even in common areas.
Nurse Call Systems Make a Difference
Because a nurse call system facilitates rapid response to medical needs, it’s not hyperbole to say that this technology can save lives. What’s more, it makes life easier for the nurses in your facility, allowing them to more easily connect with patient rooms. Finally, it provides everyone—including family members—with some additional peace of mind. These are just some of the benefits of a nurse call system.
This is a brief overview of why nurse call systems are invaluable in a variety of contexts—and why Salient Networks is proud to be a nurse call system supplier.
To learn more about IT communication solutions and IT services for senior living—including nurse call systems for hospitals and/or nurse call systems for assisted living communities—reach out to us today. We’d love to tell you more about the value of new nurse call systems in hospitals and eldercare communities.