Nurse Call Systems for ASCs, Infusion Centers & Urgent Care Clinics

At the most basic definition, nurse call systems are systems within an ASC (or other healthcare environment) that enable fast communication and alerts for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Nurse call systems allow patients and staff to alert nurses for assistance in emergencies or when extra help is required.

Nurse call systems not only ensure compliance, but can also enhance patient safety, improve response times, and contribute to overall quality of care.

Typically, they are required in a patient care area "where patients or residents will be in a condition of not reasonably being able to evacuate themselves in an emergency." This requirement is set forth in NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 18.1.1.1.2 and 3.

Between state and national codes, understanding the exact requirements and ensuring compliance can be tricky. That's why it's best to work with an expert partner who can help you navigate easily misunderstood and overlooked aspects of operational compliance and documentation—to avoid Life Safety Code (NFPA) survey citations.

• Call cords allow patients to request assistance or alert healthcare staff to their needs; these cords must be within easy reach of the patient and are usually located near beds, in bathrooms, and even in showers.
• A nurse station panel or monitoring station is the element of the system where healthcare staff can see and manage patient calls.
• Code buttons inside operating rooms and pre-op and post-op bays are typical for nurse call systems in ASCs. These allow nurses and other healthcare staff to alert others of emergencies that require additional help.
• CPU or central processing units are the "brains" of a nurse call system—the computer to which all alert and communication systems are connected.