Laptop Use in Clinical Areas

Date of Last Review: 4/2/07
SME: Director of Nursing

Purpose:  The purpose of this policy is to define use of the laptop in the clinical areas

Accountability:

1. The accountability for the laptop is shared among the clinical disciplines.  The laptop (which is secured to a cart) is to be accounted for each shift by nursing staff.
2. On the patient units, the nurse responsible for the Narcotic count is responsible for accounting for laptops.
3. If a laptop is unaccounted for at shift change, the nursing supervisor is to be notified.
4. The Nursing Supervisor ensures that loss of property report is filed with UTPD when the laptop is identified as missing.

Sharing the laptop:

1. The laptop is to be used by all disciplines.
2. The laptop is to be used on the patient care unit or specified areas such as Patient Registration department.  Movement of the laptop off the unit or outside of the specified area will render it ineffective as the wireless capability is unit based.

Care of the laptop:

1. The laptop has a two hour battery.  When the laptop is not in use, it should be plugged in.  It is not necessary to plug the laptop to use it as it has wireless capability.
2. Be careful not to expose the keyboard to liquids.

Patient and Staff Safety:

1. Staff should use their discretion for use of the laptop on the unit when there is a patient who is exhibiting aggressive behavior.

If you have questions regarding the content of this site please contact the Policy and Procedure Committee. If you experience any technical problems please contact the MIS Department.