Tips to Choose the Best Nurse Call System

Nurse call systems are vital for patients' health and well-being, as well as for helping staff with workflow management and solutions. Nurse call systems are used by patients to alert the staff when they need attention. Visitors can use them as well in the event the patient cannot. Symtech Solutions offers nurse call design and installation in regional medical centers, local hospitals, and nursing home facilities. Below, we'll go over some tips on how to choose the best nurse call system. Contact us to get started today!

Determine Your Needs

Every healthcare facility is different, so each will have unique needs and custom nurse call design and installation needs. It's important to find a nurse call system that will take into account your healthcare facility's size, location, patient needs, and department needs. Depending on your location, your state or city may require specific components to be included throughout the facility or particular units. It's a good idea to consult your staff with their ideas, as they may see needs you won't.

A doctor holding a folder
A meeting at a hospital

Set A Budget

A nurse call system is a big investment that your healthcare facility will utilize for years to come. You'll need to know not only the cost of installation, but if there is mandatory annual costs for support. You will also want to be aware of any warranties and what they cover. It's best to determine your must-haves in a nurse call system, such as the technology that allows for more personalized care and data collection, and then opt out of add-on features that your facility deems unnecessary.

Set Your Goals and Objectives

Beyond improving patient care, your nurse call system should have specific goals and objectives. For example, perhaps your healthcare facility wants to raise their HCAHPS scores, improve patient safety, or offer a faster response time to patients. When looking for a top-rated nurse call design and installation company, be sure you communicate your goals and objectives with the nurse call system provider so you can be sure your system is designed with these goals in mind.

A nurse pushing a patient in a wheelchair

Evaluate Your Existing Technology

Most healthcare facilities either have an existing, older nurse call system, or they have other technologies in place they are using to help with patient care. It's important to understand your existing systems so that you can choose a nurse call system that will either integrate into this technology or is an easy add on and complement to it. You may need to upgrade other systems in order to get the most from a nurse call system upgrade. For example, perhaps you also need real-time location systems (RTLS), more mobile devices, or digital whiteboards. The goal of this step is to understand these needs so that you can both maximize your new nurse call system and minimize disruptions and headaches down the road.

A meeting at a hospital with doctors and administration

Do Your Research

Nurse call systems have come a long way, and technology still continues to improve. This means that there are great options on the market that are great for your healthcare facility. It's good to do your research on these before you call a nurse call system design and installation company to narrow down your selection. Some options include your basic nurse call system, wireless nurse call systems, and wired nurse call systems. Wireless nurse call systems are popular because they are easy to add on to an existing system. Wired nurse call systems do require in-wall cables to connect the call system and are preferred for either new healthcare system builds or for remodels.

Partner with a Top-Rated Nurse Call System Company

Now it's time to choose your nurse call system partner. It's helpful to think of the long-term value. After all, your nurse call system will need on-going maintenance and repairs, so you want to ensure your nurse call system provider offers this. Ask a lot of questions when you are evaluating providers and make sure they understand your vision and your needs and wants clearly. Be sure there is a timeline in place and a plan for smooth implementation and integration. Experience should play a critical role when you are evaluating nurse call system providers, as you want someone who knows how to quickly and efficiently install your system. Plus, look for a company that offers more than just nurse call systems, as they will be better able to integrate your existing system with the new one.

A nurse leaning over a young patient in a hospital bed

PARTNER WITH SYMTECH SOLUTIONS TODAY

Symtech Solutions has been designing, installing, and servicing life safety communication systems, including nurse call systems, since 1982. Our experienced team understands what hospitals need in today's world in order to provide exemplary customer care and improve the lives of their staff. We work diligently to offer constant upgrades and improvements to the life safety communication systems we install, service, and manage in order to make our customers' lives easier. From assisted living facilities to large hospitals, our staff ensures you have the best rapid response systems for your needs.

Our team can help you every step of the way for a life safety communication system research and design. Once we install your system, we provide staff training and ongoing, 24-hour support when you need us. Our service department of certified technicians can answer your call and be onsite whenever you need us. We understand the importance of your systems, so we help in any way we can. Call for an evaluation today!