Main Components of Nurse Call Systems

The function of the nurse call system is easy to understand, but it becomes complex because of the different components that are involved. Throughout the years these call systems have improved to do more, while the components have stayed the same. This is all put in place to ensure the safety and protect the health of everyone involved.

Whether your system is in a senior living facility, emergency room, or general healthcare facility, the nurse call system helps a patient feel safe and not forgotten about. To ensure this happens, it takes several different components to make this process successful. Because of the complexity of this process, all components end up working with one another and can’t work properly without the other.  It may seem like a lot, but it is needed, and every component is important in its own way.

Patient Station:

The patient station gives the nursing station prompt and direct communication with patients, residents, and other healthcare professionals in the patient room assigned. This process allows those involved to immediately listen to the wants and needs to eliminate the back-and-forth process that can become a waste of time. Most patient stations are placed in the room of the patient next to their bed.

Pillow Speaker:

A Pillow Speaker looks similar to a tv remote, but this turns into the patients’ room experience lifeline. This gives patients access to their entertainment, the ability to control their surrounding environment, and access to their nurses. These are generally plugged into the patient station and the nurse call intercom audio can be transferred to the pillow speaker. When this action is in place, the tv audio is muted so everyone can hear the request in case of an emergency.

Call Cords:

In conjunction with the patient station, the call cord is plugged into the pillow speaker. This provided a call-in priority that is customized to the facility’s needs at the time. When pressed, you will know the call has been placed and nurses have been notified by a clear ring indication around the button.

Patients also have call cords in the bathrooms as well. In case of a fall, assistance with hygiene, or a severe emergency that they need help right away with, patients are given the ability to press these cords from this location.

Corridor Dome Light:

Corridor dome lights are located in the hallways of the facility for visual indication purposes. These are light indications of calls that come from bathrooms, bedsides, and the code stations. Corridor dome lights will alert the nursing team to the call of the location, which helps with responsiveness and understanding of the situation. Different color lights for different types of emergencies, plus flashing patterns of the level of emergency are also in place as well.

Code Station Button:

The code station button gives nurses the ability to place a code call immediately. With different buttons corresponding to different needs, these can be customized specifically. Codes such as “code pink” and “code blue” are examples of this customization. All of these codes when pressed correspond with the corridor dome lights for immediate reaction.

Nurse Console Station:

Located at the nursing station, this console receives all calls that are placed within the designated location. It is activated from the pillow speaker, medical equipment notices, and the call cord. This allows for communication and direction with residents to hear their needs immediately. It also allows the staff to start the specific workflows on behalf of the patient that is involved. The nurse console station is utilized to help determine patient needs and improve productivity throughout the day.

All of these components might be complex, but they are a priority in every health care facility. Every component works with one another to ensure the safety of all patients and to keep things as organized as possible in hectic situations.

A Total Solution, Inc. (ATS) designs, inspects, and installs nurse call systems. Since 1988, ATS has installed nurse call systems and engineered electronics for nursing homes, adult living facilities (ALFs), surgery centers, and doctors’ offices. Through a simple press of a button or pull of a cord, a person in distress may reach a medical professional – thanks in large part to our work.

24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ATS technicians are equipped and ready to service your components of nurse call systems. ATS’s employees are NICET, FASA/BASA, and factory certified to handle most nurse call system trouble conditions. Call ATS today for all your nurse call station needs!