Cell Phones as a communication device for students and instructors.

The utilization of cell phones has become so common place that students and instructors alike depend on them as a communication device.  Instructors can utilize them to inform students of assignments, class changes or cancellations.  With smart phones you can look up medications, diagnosis, normal lab values and much more.  While the use of cell phones has become common place for many I must caution uses about possible HIPPA and liability issues.  You should never take pictures with your cell phone in the clinical setting.  If you do and you post any information related to the person even something as simple as where the picture was taken can result in a liability issue with your employer or school.  Also many facilities have a no cell phone policy.  This has become an issue to the point that some business have mad it against policy to have your cell phone in the building at all.  Ensuring that you protect those you are trusted to care for in very important and proper cell phone use is a integral part of the nurse responsibility.

                                                                       Reference
www.natcom.org/CommCurrentsArticle.aspx?id=1970