Keep The Noise Down

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/02/the-clatter-of-the-hospital-room/?ref=health

In our recent collaborative care meeting where I work, we usually score less than what we want on patient satisfaction for keeping the noise level down. There's the beeping of machines, nurses yelling in the hallway, visitors' cell phone ringing, being awakened by a PCA to take Vital Signs in the middle of the night,  the lists can go on and on. It's been a challenge to show improvements on these indicators. One nurse suggested each nurse carries a cell phone to limit yelling in the hallway for the nurse. I have to admit, since the hospital installed a new nurse tracking device, I haven't noticed too much yelling in the hallway for their names. Another suggestion was to take less Vital Signs at night only if the doctor medically allows so. This article has more suggestions from other hospitals. Is your hospital ready to go above and beyond like the Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System in reducing the noise level? It's amazing! You have to read it....