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Nurse Call Systems – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Nurse Call Systems – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are nurse call systems?

Nurse call systems are a type of technology that aids in communication to the healthcare staff in their area of a facility. Nurse call systems provide patients with the ability to call nursing staff into their room when they need assistance. Nurse calls systems allow for reliable and organized medical attention in a quick manner. 

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What is a wireless nurse call system?

A wireless nurse call system uses radio frequency (RF) technology or your building’s Wi-Fi to send alerts from patient rooms to nursing staff without requiring any complex hardwired connections. These systems are much more adaptable and much easier to install than traditional wired systems, especially in retrofit projects.

What is an IP-based nurse call system?

In order to create better flexibility, integration with other hospital systems, and continuous  monitoring and reporting, IP-based nurse call systems use internet protocols to send signals over Wi-Fi.

Which wireless devices do nurses use?

Nurses will frequently use wireless pagers, smartphones, tablets, mobile workstations, or other wearable communication devices to receive alerts, access patient medical records, and schedule their patient’s care in real time from their device.

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What is the nurse call function?

The function of a nurse call system allows patients to ask for assistance from the nursing staff by simply clicking a button, pulling a cord, or activating a sensor in their room. There is then an alert immediately sent to the nursing staff. The alerts notify the nursing staff through lights, sounds, or messages on a communication device. 

How does a wireless calling system work?

A wireless nurse call system operates when RF or Wi-Fi signals are sent directly to the nursing staff from the patient's room. The staff will get alerted at a central station in the facility or they will get an alert sent right to their mobile device. These systems are redundant and will alarm until the nurse turns off the alarm. This helps ensure that the patient's care is prompt and reliable.

What is a nurse call annunciator?

A nurse call annunciator is a monitor that informs the nursing staff which patient has pressed the nurse call button. The annunciator can also signal which specific room the button was pressed in. It often uses a variety of lights, sounds, or digital messages to send this information.

What does a nurse call system consist of?

Common components include:

  • Patient call buttons and/or pull cords
  • Corridor lights
  • Nurse station master console 
  • Wireless or wired signal transmitters
  • Annunciators or displays
  • Integration with mobile devices or pagers

What are the different types of call bells?

Call bells vary by their specific function. Some examples include: 

  • Bedside buttons
  • Pull cords in restrooms
  • Pressure mats
  • Pendant buttons (wearables)
  • Emergency code buttons (e.g., Code Blue)

What is a nurse call staff station?

A nurse call staff station is the main hub located within the nurse’s workstation. It shares incoming medical alerts, prioritizes nurse calls, and can easily communicate messages to patient rooms or mobile devices. 

What is a duty station nurse call?

A duty station is a location where the nursing staff can receive alerts remotely. This type of station is beneficial in larger medical facilities due to the wider range of coverage.

What is a nurse pager?

A nurse pager is a device that can wirelessly receive messages. This allowed for staff members to report to patient requests quickly and efficiently even when they are not at the central nurse station. 

What is a Code Blue nurse call?

When a Code Blue alert pops up on a nurse call system, it means that there is a medical emergency, oftentimes cardiac arrest. When a nurse call system has the ability to signify a Code Blue alert, it helps allow for fast communication alerting emergency responders, which can result in saved lives. 

What system does a hospital usually use for patient information?

Hospitals use Electronic Health Records (EHRs) or Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) systems. Common systems include  Epic, Cerner, or Meditech to organize patient data, such as history, medications, lab results, and treatment plans.

What is the nurse call system in a hospital?

The nurse call system in hospitals connect patients with caretakers through a connected network of devices. These nurse call systems are often part of wider communication platforms that can also include mobile devices, EHR integrations, and many safety features.

How do nurse call buttons work?

Nurse call buttons work by allowing a patient to press a call button. Once they press the call button, the system then alerts the nurses’ station, mobile devices, and/or an annunciator. The alerts can appear through lights, sounds or direct messages which then guides the nursing staff to the correct location. 

What is Code Pink in a hospital?

Code Pink is a universal hospital emergency code that indicates staff members of an infant or child abduction. The code signals immediate lockdown and specific security protocols.

What system do most hospitals use?

Most hospitals use a combination of:

  • Nurse Call Systems for communication
  • EHR Systems for patient information
  • Paging Systems for staff coordination Many can also integrate Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) and smart bed monitoring.

What is Hill-Rom’s nurse call?

Hillrom, which is now owned by Baxter, offers high quality nurse call solutions like the Hillrom NaviCare®system. These nurse call systems support increased communication, workflow  development, and patient safety with alignments to RTLS and clinical systems.

What is the call bell in nursing?

A call bell is a device located next to the patient's bed that allows patients to alert nursing staff when they are in need. It is a foundational component of all nurse call systems which guarantees prompt attention to patient needs.

Brand-Specific Nurse Call System FAQs

What is the BEC Wireless Nurse Call System?

The BEC Wireless Nurse Call System is a modular, flexible communication system created by BEC Integrated Solutions. This system is computable with both wireless and hybrid installations and is also perfect for assisted living, medical facilities, and senior housing facilities. The system is affordable, customizable, and easy to integrate with infrastructures you already have in place. (Made in the USA)

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What is the TekTone Nurse Call System?

TekTone offers a wide range of nurse call systems. Systems range from simple tone-visual systems to high-tech UL 1069-compliant solutions. Their Tek-CARE series includes wired, wireless, and networked options. TekTone systems are well known for dependability, affordability, and ease of installation and maintenance.

What is the Rauland-Borg Nurse Call System?

Rauland-Borg, a division of AMETEK, is known for its Responder® Nurse Call platform. These are high-quality, enterprise-grade systems used in a variety of hospitals. The Responder system supports full integration with RTLS, EHRs, staff workflow, and real-time analytics, unifying care team communication and speeding up response times.

What is the Cornell Nurse Call System?

Cornell Communications specializes in simple, effective nurse call systems for senior housing, medical clinics, and other smaller healthcare facilities. Their solutions include visual, tone-visual, and wireless systems. Cornell is desired for its forthright designs, ease of use, and reliable performance.

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